basuto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical/Geopolitical, Ethnographic, Potentially Outdated
Quick answer
What does “basuto” mean?
A member of the Sotho-speaking people who form the predominant ethnic group of Lesotho.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the Sotho-speaking people who form the predominant ethnic group of Lesotho; also pertaining to this people or the language Sesotho.
Historically used to refer to the inhabitants or the language of the Basutoland protectorate (now Lesotho); can be used as an attributive adjective relating to the culture, people, or land.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both varieties. Might be slightly more familiar in UK English due to historical colonial connections, but the modern term 'Basotho' is standard.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries historical/colonial connotations. 'Basotho' is the neutral, modern, and respectful term.
Frequency
Extremely infrequent in contemporary use outside historical texts or specialized discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “basuto” in a Sentence
Used as a noun modifier: a Basuto [noun]Used as a proper noun: the BasutoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “basuto” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum had a collection of traditional Basuto blankets.
- He studied Basuto customary law from the colonial period.
American English
- She acquired a vintage Basuto blanket at the auction.
- The book detailed Basuto social structure in the 19th century.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used cautiously in historical, anthropological, or African studies contexts, often with quotes or a note on terminology.
Everyday
Extremely rare; 'person from Lesotho' or 'Sotho' would be used.
Technical
Might appear in historical military contexts (e.g., Basuto Wars), ethnography, or philology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “basuto”
- Using 'Basuto' as the modern, preferred term (use Basotho).
- Using it as a language name in a contemporary context (use Sesotho).
- Misspelling as 'Basutu' or 'Basutoo'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Basuto' is an older, anglicized term. The correct and preferred contemporary name is 'Basotho' (plural) for the people and 'Mosotho' (singular).
The language is called Sesotho (or Southern Sotho). 'Basuto' was historically used as a language name but is now outdated.
Use it primarily when referring to specific historical contexts, proper nouns from the past (e.g., Basutoland, Basuto Wars), or in direct quotation. In modern discussion, use 'Basotho' and 'Sesotho'.
It is an exonym (a name given by outsiders) from the colonial era. Using the community's own name for itself (Basotho) is a matter of respect and linguistic accuracy.
A member of the Sotho-speaking people who form the predominant ethnic group of Lesotho.
Basuto is usually historical/geopolitical, ethnographic, potentially outdated in register.
Basuto: in British English it is pronounced /bəˈsuːtəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /bəˈsuːtoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BA-SU-TO' sounds like 'Baa-Sue-Toe' – imagine a sheep (baa) belonging to Sue travelling to Lesotho.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PEOPLE AS A NATION/TRIBE (The Basuto are a mountain people).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate and current term to use?