guyana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Geographical, Political
Quick answer
What does “guyana” mean?
A country on the northern coast of South America, formerly British Guiana.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A country on the northern coast of South America, formerly British Guiana.
Refers to the nation, its people, culture, or geographical features. Can also denote the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, its government, or its national identity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation may have minor variations.
Connotations
In British English, may carry stronger historical connotations of colonialism (British Guiana). In American English, may be more associated with contemporary geography or travel.
Frequency
Frequency is similar in both varieties, tied to news, geography, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “guyana” in a Sentence
[Geographical Location][Nationality Demonym: Guyanese][Political Entity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “guyana” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Guyanese delegation arrived in London.
American English
- She is proud of her Guyanese heritage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the market, investment opportunities, or natural resources (e.g., oil, bauxite) of Guyana.
Academic
Used in geographical, historical, political science, or anthropological studies concerning South America or the Caribbean.
Everyday
Used in general conversation about countries, travel, news, or people's heritage.
Technical
In geology, refers to the Guyana Shield, a Precambrian geological formation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “guyana”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “guyana”
- Misspelling as 'Guiana' (the broader geographical region).
- Incorrectly using 'Guyanese' as an adjective for objects instead of people (e.g., 'Guyanese food' is correct, 'a Guyanese forest' is less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Geographically, it is on the South American mainland. However, it is considered part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) due to strong historical and cultural ties.
English is the official language. Guyanese Creole (English-based) is widely spoken in daily life.
A person from Guyana is called Guyanese.
It is known for its vast rainforests, Kaieteur Falls, diverse ethnic makeup, and, more recently, significant offshore oil reserves.
A country on the northern coast of South America, formerly British Guiana.
Guyana is usually formal, geographical, political in register.
Guyana: in British English it is pronounced /ɡaɪˈænə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡaɪˈɑːnə/ or /ɡaɪˈænə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GUYana is on the GUY(iana) side of South America, north of Brazil.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COUNTRY IS A CONTAINER (for people, culture, resources).
Practice
Quiz
What was the former colonial name of Guyana?