ankara: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (for capital); Low (for fabric, but common in specific fashion/cultural contexts).Proper noun: Neutral to formal for the city. Common noun: Informal/specialized in fashion and cultural discourse.
Quick answer
What does “ankara” mean?
The capital city of Turkey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The capital city of Turkey; also (in fashion) a brightly coloured, often wax-printed fabric or style of dress originating from West Africa.
As a proper noun, primarily refers to the city, the seat of Turkey's government (rather than the more famous Istanbul). As a common noun, refers to a specific cultural fashion fabric and garment style with distinct patterns, also known as 'African wax print'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference for the city name. The fabric/dress meaning is equally known in both varieties within relevant communities.
Connotations
The city carries political/administrative connotations (government vs. Istanbul's cultural/commercial role). The fabric connotes African heritage, vibrancy, and cultural identity.
Frequency
The city name is low-frequency general vocabulary but high in geopolitical/travel contexts. The fabric term is low-frequency in general English but high in fashion/ethnicwear contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “ankara” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] Ankara is located in central Anatolia.[Common Noun] She wore a stunning ankara to the wedding.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ankara” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She has a lovely Ankara-print headwrap.
- The Ankara fabric was vibrant.
American English
- She bought an Ankara-style dress.
- The Ankara designs were bold.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
For the city: 'Our Ankara office handles government relations.' For fabric: Rare.
Academic
For the city: In geography, political science. For fabric: In cultural studies, fashion history.
Everyday
For the city: Travel plans. For fabric: Discussing clothing at a cultural event.
Technical
For the city: In cartography, political reports. For fabric: In textile manufacturing, design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ankara”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ankara”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ankara”
- Confusing Ankara with Istanbul as the capital.
- Using 'Ankara' as a generic term for any African fabric.
- Mispronouncing as /ænˈkɑːrə/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Ankara is the capital and second-largest city of Turkey, housing the government and parliament.
Ankara fabric, also called African wax print, is a cotton fabric with vibrant, colourful patterns, often used to make traditional and modern African-inspired clothing.
It's a coincidence of homonymy. The city name is Turkish. The fabric name is derived from the city, as such fabrics were historically traded/misidentified via Ankara, or possibly from a Nigerian language (Akara).
You must rely on context. For the city, use it as a proper noun: 'I flew to Ankara.' For the fabric, use it as a common noun, often as a modifier: 'She designs ankara dresses.'
The capital city of Turkey.
Ankara is usually proper noun: neutral to formal for the city. common noun: informal/specialized in fashion and cultural discourse. in register.
Ankara: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkərə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋkərə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common in English”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ANKARA = ANcient KARAvan hub (for the city) / ANgled patterns in KALEidoscopic African Radiant Attire (for the fabric).
Conceptual Metaphor
The fabric: CLOTHING IS CULTURAL IDENTITY. The city: THE CAPITAL IS THE HEAD (directing the body politic).
Practice
Quiz
In a fashion context, 'ankara' most specifically refers to: