amazonian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Literary/Technical
Quick answer
What does “amazonian” mean?
Relating to the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, or the mythological Amazons (female warriors).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, or the mythological Amazons (female warriors).
Often used to describe a very tall, strong, or physically imposing woman, evoking the mythical warrior women. In ecology, it refers to the flora, fauna, or characteristics of the Amazon basin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The figurative use is slightly more common in British literary/journalistic contexts.
Connotations
The same core connotations apply in both varieties.
Frequency
Overall low frequency. The ecological sense is equally common in scientific writing globally. The figurative sense is rare in everyday speech in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “amazonian” in a Sentence
amazonian + N (amazonian rainforest)of + amazonian + origin (species of amazonian origin)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amazonian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The expedition aimed to document Amazonian birdlife.
- Her amazonian frame towered over the other competitors.
American English
- The research focuses on Amazonian climate patterns.
- The novelist described her heroine with amazonian vigour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in 'amazonian biodiversity' in sustainability reports.
Academic
Common in ecology, biology, geography: 'amazonian deforestation rates', 'amazonian endemic species'.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly in figurative descriptions: 'She had an almost amazonian presence.'
Technical
Used precisely in environmental science and climatology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amazonian”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amazonian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amazonian”
- Using 'amazonian' to describe the Amazon.com company culture (use 'Amazon's' or 'of Amazon').
- Misspelling as 'amazonean' or 'amazinian'.
- Overusing the figurative term for women, which can sound archaic or clichéd.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is capitalized when referring directly to the mythological Amazons (Amazonian warrior). It is often lowercase when referring to the region (amazonian rainforest), though practice varies.
It is highly unusual and non-standard. The term is intrinsically linked to the female Amazon warriors. To describe a man with similar physical traits, use synonyms like 'Herculean', 'imposing', or 'strapping'.
'Amazonian' is the standard adjective for things pertaining to the Amazon region or the Amazons. Using 'Amazon' as an adjective (e.g., Amazon rainforest) is also very common and often interchangeable for the geographical sense.
It can be, depending on context. While it may be intended as a compliment denoting strength and stature, it is an archetype that can objectify or reduce a woman to a physical stereotype. Caution is advised; neutral descriptors are often preferable.
Relating to the Amazon River, the Amazon rainforest, or the mythological Amazons (female warriors).
Amazonian is usually formal/literary/technical in register.
Amazonian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌaməˈzəʊnɪən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæməˈzoʊniən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Amazonian strength/proportions”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think AMAZON + IAN (like a librarian of the Amazon). A librarian from the Amazon region would be an Amazonian.
Conceptual Metaphor
A STRONG WOMAN IS A WARRIOR (from Greek myth). A WILD, UNTAMED PLACE IS THE AMAZON.
Practice
Quiz
In a literary context, what is the most likely meaning of 'amazonian'?