cape verdean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral/Formal
Quick answer
What does “cape verdean” mean?
A person from Cape Verde, or something relating to Cape Verde, a country comprising an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person from Cape Verde, or something relating to Cape Verde, a country comprising an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
Pertaining to the culture, language, or national identity of the Republic of Cabo Verde (Cape Verde). As a demonym and adjective, it describes origin, citizenship, and cultural attributes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'Cape Verdean'. The variant 'Cabo Verdean' might be slightly more frequent in formal/academic contexts in the US.
Connotations
Neutral geographical/cultural identifier.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, higher in geographical, political, or cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “cape verdean” in a Sentence
[be] + Cape Verdean[of] Cape Verdean + [origin/descent]Cape Verdean + [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cape verdean” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Cape Verdean embassy issued a travel advisory.
- She is a renowned Cape Verdean singer.
American English
- Cape Verdean immigration policy has evolved.
- They serve authentic Cape Verdean cuisine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of trade, investment, or tourism related to Cape Verde (e.g., 'Cape Verdean export regulations').
Academic
Common in geography, political science, diaspora studies, and linguistics (e.g., 'Cape Verdean migration patterns').
Everyday
Used to describe people's nationality or heritage (e.g., 'My neighbour is Cape Verdean').
Technical
In meteorology, refers to the 'Cape Verde type' hurricane, which develops near the islands.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cape verdean”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cape verdean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cape verdean”
- Uncapitalised ('cape verdean').
- Using 'Cape Verdian'.
- Confusing with 'Greenlander'.
- Using as a language name without 'Creole' (i.e., saying 'He speaks Cape Verdean' is ambiguous; 'Cape Verdean Creole' is precise).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are acceptable. 'Cape Verdean' is the traditional English demonym. 'Cabo Verdean' aligns with the country's official Portuguese name, República de Cabo Verde, and is gaining usage, especially in formal contexts.
The official language is Portuguese. The national language, spoken by nearly all the population, is Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu), a Portuguese-based creole.
Yes, but it's ambiguous. The precise term is 'Cape Verdean Creole'. Using just 'Cape Verdean' for the language is informal and context-dependent (e.g., 'She speaks Cape Verdean' might be understood, but 'She speaks Cape Verdean Creole' is clearer).
Yes. As a demonym (noun for a person from a place) and as an adjective derived from a proper noun (Cape Verde), it must always be capitalised in correct English.
A person from Cape Verde, or something relating to Cape Verde, a country comprising an archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.
Cape verdean is usually neutral/formal in register.
Cape verdean: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp vəːˈdiːən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkeɪp vərˈdiːən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The CAPE of Good Hope is far south, but Cape VERDE is west. A Cape Verdean is someone from those green ('verde') islands off the cape.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISLAND IDENTITY (a blend of African and Portuguese influences, often associated with resilience and diaspora).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'Cape Verdean' as an adjective?