british: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A2Neutral to Formal (when referring to the nation/people); Informal (often as a colloquial noun 'the British').
Quick answer
What does “british” mean?
Relating to the United Kingdom, its people, or its culture.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the United Kingdom, its people, or its culture.
Of, belonging to, or characteristic of Great Britain or its inhabitants; also, relating to the English language as used in Britain, distinguished from other forms, especially US English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, the term is primarily used to denote nationality or origin. In the UK, it's a fundamental identity term, often contrasted with 'English,' 'Scottish,' 'Welsh,' or 'Irish.'
Connotations
In the UK, it can carry connotations of shared political union, history, and cultural institutions. In international contexts, it often connotes traditionalism, certain cultural exports, and historical empire.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, but arguably more complex and contested in its domestic usage within the UK than in its external usage.
Grammar
How to Use “british” in a Sentence
[be] + British[feel] + British[become] + British[of] + British + [origin/descent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “british” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The British weather is famously changeable.
- He holds a British driving licence.
American English
- The British weather is famously changeable.
- He holds a British driver's license.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We are expanding our British operations."
Academic
"The study examined British foreign policy in the 19th century."
Everyday
"I'm applying for a British passport." / "She has a lovely British accent."
Technical
"The patient was of British Caucasian ethnicity."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “british”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “british”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “british”
- Using 'British' as a singular countable noun (e.g., 'He is a British' ❌). Correct: 'He is British' or 'He is a British man.'
- Capitalization error: 'british' ❌ vs 'British' ✅ when referring to the nationality.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'English' refers specifically to England or its language/people. 'British' refers to the whole United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). A person from Scotland is British but not English.
No. 'British' is an adjective, not a singular countable noun. Say 'a British person/man/woman' or 'a Briton.'
The British. You can also use 'Britons,' though it's more formal. Colloquially, 'Brits' is common.
Yes, when referring to the nationality, culture, or language. It is a proper adjective.
Relating to the United Kingdom, its people, or its culture.
British is usually neutral to formal (when referring to the nation/people); informal (often as a colloquial noun 'the british'). in register.
British: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Keep a stiff upper lip (stereotypically British trait)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Brit' in 'British' as the core, like 'Brit-ish' — belonging to the Britons.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRITISH IS A CONTAINER (e.g., 'within British society,' 'outside British influence').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'British' correctly?