cree: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (for the verb); High Proper Noun (for the people/language).Literary/Archaic (for the verb); Formal/Technical (for the people/language).
Quick answer
What does “cree” mean?
To cause something to happen by supernatural power, often used in the context of magic or witchcraft, or to move stealthily.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To cause something to happen by supernatural power, often used in the context of magic or witchcraft, or to move stealthily.
A colloquial or dialect verb for an uneasy or creeping sensation. More prominently, the capitalized form refers to a large Indigenous people of North America (the Cree) and their Algonquian language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'cree' as a verb is marginally more recognized in historical or dialect literature. In North America, 'Cree' as a proper noun is vastly more common and carries immediate cultural and geographical recognition.
Connotations
UK: archaic, mystical, or regional. US/Canada: primarily associated with Indigenous culture, history, and current communities.
Frequency
The verb 'cree' is extremely rare in both. The proper noun 'Cree' is frequent in North American contexts (history, anthropology, current affairs) and low in general UK discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cree” in a Sentence
[Subject] cree + [Object] (archaic verb)[Subject] is Cree (demonym)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cree” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old tale claimed the witch could cree a storm from a clear sky.
- A sense of dread began to cree over him as he entered the ruins.
American English
- (Archaic, not in modern use) In the story, she would cree visions in the fire's smoke.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard)
American English
- (Not standard)
adjective
British English
- (Rare) He felt a cree shudder down his spine.
- The dialect poem described a cree mist on the moors.
American English
- She is a Cree artist from Saskatchewan.
- The Cree language is part of the Algonquian family.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like cultural tourism or businesses with specific Cree partnerships.
Academic
Common in anthropology, linguistics, history, and Indigenous studies departments.
Everyday
Rare for the verb. Recognized in North America for the people, especially in regions with Cree populations.
Technical
Used in linguistic descriptions of the Cree language (morphology, syntax).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cree”
- Using 'cree' as a modern verb meaning 'create'.
- Misspelling as 'creed'.
- Using lower case for the people (Cree is capitalized).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the verb 'cree' (to conjure) is archaic and rarely used. The most common modern use is as the proper noun 'Cree'.
Yes, when referring to the Indigenous people or their language, it is a proper noun and must be capitalized (Cree). The archaic verb is lowercase.
The plural is also 'Cree' (e.g., 'the Cree'). It can be used with a plural verb (The Cree are...).
Yes, Cree (in its dialect continuum) is one of the most widely spoken Indigenous languages in North America, with tens of thousands of speakers in Canada.
To cause something to happen by supernatural power, often used in the context of magic or witchcraft, or to move stealthily.
Cree is usually literary/archaic (for the verb); formal/technical (for the people/language). in register.
Cree: in British English it is pronounced /kriː/, and in American English it is pronounced /kriː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the word 'cree'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'decree' made by magic: a magician might 'cree' a spell into existence.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPERNATURAL POWER IS A TOOL (archaic verb).
Practice
Quiz
In modern English, the word 'cree' (lowercase) is most accurately described as: