hispanic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to formal; common in academic, demographic, and official contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hispanic” mean?
Relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially those in Latin America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially those in Latin America.
Pertaining to people, cultures, or communities with origins in Spanish-speaking countries, often used in demographic, cultural, and social contexts to denote shared language or heritage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, 'Hispanic' is widely used in official classifications (e.g., census, forms) and public discourse. In British English, the term is less common and may be used more in academic or historical contexts related to Spain or Latin America.
Connotations
In the U.S., it carries demographic and political weight; in the UK, it may be perceived as a neutral descriptor of Spanish-speaking origin.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English due to its role in demographic labeling.
Grammar
How to Use “hispanic” in a Sentence
Adjective + noun (e.g., Hispanic community)Noun as a countable/uncountable (e.g., Hispanics in the U.S.)Predicative use (e.g., She is Hispanic).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hispanic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Hispanic population in London is growing steadily.
American English
- Hispanic voters are a significant demographic in the election.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in market segmentation, e.g., 'targeting the Hispanic consumer base.'
Academic
Frequent in sociology, demography, and cultural studies, e.g., 'Hispanic migration patterns.'
Everyday
Casual reference to heritage, e.g., 'My neighbour is Hispanic.'
Technical
In demographic surveys and official statistics, e.g., 'Hispanic or Latino origin' categories.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hispanic”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hispanic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hispanic”
- Using 'Hispanic' and 'Latino' interchangeably without awareness of nuanced differences.
- Capitalization inconsistency (should be capitalized as it derives from a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are overlapping but distinct. 'Hispanic' refers to Spanish-speaking origin, while 'Latino' refers to geographic origin in Latin America, including non-Spanish-speaking countries.
Yes, it is typically capitalized as it derives from 'Hispania', the Latin name for the Iberian Peninsula.
No, Brazilians are not typically considered Hispanic because they speak Portuguese, not Spanish, though they may be considered Latino.
In U.S. classification, it is considered an ethnic category, not a race; people of Hispanic origin can be of any race.
Relating to Spain or Spanish-speaking countries, especially those in Latin America.
Hispanic is usually neutral to formal; common in academic, demographic, and official contexts. in register.
Hispanic: in British English it is pronounced /hɪˈspanɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɪˈspænɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms directly featuring 'Hispanic'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Hispano' (Spanish) + 'ic' (adjective suffix) → relating to Spanish-speaking cultures.
Conceptual Metaphor
HISPANIC AS A BRIDGE: connecting language, heritage, and identity across continents.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the core meaning of 'Hispanic'?