guyana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ɡaɪˈænə/US/ɡaɪˈɑːnə/ or /ɡaɪˈænə/

Formal, Geographical, Political

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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

strong
Cooperative Republic of GuyanaGuyana's capitalGuyanese peoplegovernment of GuyanaBritish Guiana
medium
travel to Guyanaeconomy of GuyanaGuyana shieldGuyana rainforestborder of Guyana
weak
beautiful Guyanavisit Guyanafrom Guyanain Guyana

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

British Guiana (historical)

Neutral

The Cooperative RepublicThe former British Guiana

Weak

The South American nationThe Caribbean-coast country

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

Fill in the gap
is the only South American country where English is the official language.
Multiple Choice

What was the former colonial name of Guyana?

guyana: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore