Is 'Matabele' the same as 'Ndebele'?

Yes, 'Matabele' is an older, anglicised term for the Northern Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. 'Ndebele' is the modern and more accurate term.

Is it offensive to use the term 'Matabele'?

It is not generally considered offensive but is an outdated colonial-era term. In academic and respectful discourse, 'Ndebele' is preferred.

Where would I encounter this word?

Almost exclusively in historical texts about southern Africa, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, or in specialized anthropological works.

How do you pronounce 'Matabele'?

In British English, it's commonly /ˌmatəˈbiːli/. In American English, variations include /ˌmædəˈbeɪli/.

Is “matabele” formal?

Matabele is usually technical/historical in register.

matabele: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low (C2+ or specialized)

UK/ˌmatəˈbiːli/US/ˌmædəˈbeɪli/ or /ˌmɑːtəˈbeɪleɪ/

Technical/Historical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “matabele” mean?

A member of a Ndebele people of Zimbabwe.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A member of a Ndebele people of Zimbabwe.

Pertaining to the Matabele people, their culture, or the Northern Ndebele language.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Usage is identical and rare in both. May be slightly more common in UK historical texts due to colonial-era literature.

Connotations

Carries historical/colonial connotations, often appearing in texts about 19th-century southern African history.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general language. Primarily found in historical, anthropological, or regional studies.

Grammar

How to Use “matabele” in a Sentence

the + Matabele + (noun)Matabele + of + (region)adjective + Matabele + (noun)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

Matabele peopleMatabele warriorMatabelelandMatabele War

medium

Matabele cultureMatabele historyMatabele rebellion

weak

Matabele chiefMatabele tribeMatabele language

Examples

Examples of “matabele” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The Matabele warriors were renowned for their discipline.
He studied Matabele pottery designs.

American English

The Matabele uprising was a key event.
She wrote about Matabele social structure.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used.

Academic

Used in African studies, history, anthropology. The modern term 'Ndebele' is often used.

Everyday

Extremely rare. Would only be used in specific historical discussion.

Technical

Used in historical texts and some ethnographic works to refer to the specific 19th-century kingdom and its people.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “matabele”

Neutral

NdebeleNorthern Ndebele

Weak

Zimbabwean NdebeleamaNdebele

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “matabele”

Shona Mashona

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “matabele”

Using 'Matabele' to refer to the South African Ndebele.
Spelling as 'Matalbele' or 'Matabele'.
Using in modern contexts where 'Ndebele' is more accurate.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, 'Matabele' is an older, anglicised term for the Northern Ndebele people of Zimbabwe. 'Ndebele' is the modern and more accurate term.
: It is not generally considered offensive but is an outdated colonial-era term. In academic and respectful discourse, 'Ndebele' is preferred.
: Almost exclusively in historical texts about southern Africa, particularly from the 19th and early 20th centuries, or in specialized anthropological works.
: In British English, it's commonly /ˌmatəˈbiːli/. In American English, variations include /ˌmædəˈbeɪli/.
: A member of a Ndebele people of Zimbabwe.
: Matabele is usually technical/historical in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'MAtabele' - the MAtes (warriors) of AbeLe (a place).

Conceptual Metaphor

N/A - Proper noun/ethnonym.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The people, also known as the Northern Ndebele, have a rich cultural history in Zimbabwe.

Multiple Choice

What does 'Matabele' primarily refer to?