sunni: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “sunni” mean?
A member of the larger of the two main branches of Islam, which accepts the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of the larger of the two main branches of Islam, which accepts the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad.
Referring to the orthodox and traditionalist branch of Islam, adhering to the Sunna (traditions and practices of Muhammad), distinguished from Shia Islam. Also used in non-religious contexts to describe adherence to orthodox or mainstream views.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. British media more likely to use 'Sunni' in colonial/post-colonial geopolitical analysis contexts. American media may use it more frequently in domestic terrorism/security discourse.
Connotations
Predominantly religious and geopolitical. In both varieties, can carry connotations of orthodoxy, majority status (in Islam), and sectarian identity.
Frequency
High frequency in international news and academic religious/political studies. Higher frequency in UK media regarding Middle Eastern affairs due to historical ties.
Grammar
How to Use “sunni” in a Sentence
[Sunni] + [noun: e.g., Muslim, Arab, Kurd][adjective, often geopolitical] + [Sunni]a [Sunni] [from/of + place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sunni” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Sunni population in the region has grown.
- He comes from a prominent Sunni family.
American English
- Sunni leaders condemned the attack.
- The area is predominantly Sunni.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in reports on Middle Eastern markets or risk analysis.
Academic
Common in religious studies, political science, history, and sociology texts.
Everyday
Low. Primarily encountered in news discussions about the Middle East, sectarian conflicts.
Technical
Used in precise religious terminology (fiqh, theology), geopolitical analysis, and demographic studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunni”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sunni”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunni”
- Spelling as 'Suni' (missing 'n').
- Using lowercase 'sunni' when it's a proper noun.
- Confusing 'Sunni' (noun/adjective) with 'Sunnism' (the doctrine).
- Pronouncing with a long 'u' /suːni/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the religious group or its adherents (Sunni Islam, a Sunni). It is a proper noun.
The primary historical difference concerns the rightful succession to Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis accept the rule of the first four caliphs, while Shias believe leadership should have passed directly to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.
Yes, very commonly. It is used attributively (e.g., Sunni theology, Sunni community, Sunni mosque).
Not exactly. 'Sunni' typically refers to an adherent or as an adjective. 'Sunnism' refers to the collective doctrines, practices, and the identity of the Sunni branch of Islam.
A member of the larger of the two main branches of Islam, which accepts the first four caliphs as the rightful successors of Muhammad.
Sunni is usually formal, academic, journalistic in register.
Sunni: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʊni/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʊni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the Sunni side of the divide”
- “the Sunni street (public opinion in Sunni communities)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Sunni' follows the 'Sunna' (traditions). Both words start with 'Sun-', linking to the 'path' of tradition.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORTHODOXY IS THE MAIN PATH / MAJORITY IS THE MAINSTREAM.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining feature of a Sunni Muslim?