tasˈmanian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal when referring to geography/demographics; informal/humorous in extended metaphorical use.
Quick answer
What does “tasˈmanian” mean?
Relating to the Australian island state of Tasmania, its inhabitants, or its unique flora and fauna.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Relating to the Australian island state of Tasmania, its inhabitants, or its unique flora and fauna.
Often used to describe something as being from, characteristic of, or associated with Tasmania, including its culture, environment, and wildlife. In informal contexts, can be used humorously to imply something is wild, isolated, or fierce (by analogy with the Tasmanian devil).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Both varieties use it primarily in geographical/zoological contexts. The humorous extended use ('as fierce as a Tasmanian devil') might be slightly more common in British media.
Connotations
Connotes remoteness, unique wildlife, and rugged island environment equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but comparable in both varieties when the topic of Australia/Tasmania arises.
Grammar
How to Use “tasˈmanian” in a Sentence
[Tasmanian] + noun (e.g., Tasmanian forest)of + [Tasmanian] + originVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tasˈmanian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Tasmanian coastline is famously rugged and beautiful.
- We sampled some excellent Tasmanian cheese.
American English
- The Tasmanian wilderness is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- She studies Tasmanian devil behavior.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of trade, tourism, or products from Tasmania (e.g., 'Tasmanian salmon exports').
Academic
Used in geography, biology, and environmental studies relating to the island's unique ecosystems.
Everyday
Most commonly encountered in discussions about travel, wildlife documentaries, or Australian culture.
Technical
Used in zoological taxonomy (e.g., Sarcophilus harrisii, the Tasmanian devil) and geographical classifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tasˈmanian”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tasˈmanian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tasˈmanian”
- Misspelling as 'Tasmanion' or 'Tasmanan'.
- Using it as a noun for a person ('a Tasmanian') without the article when it's a countable noun (correct: 'He is a Tasmanian').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It is the standard adjective for anything relating to Tasmania: Tasmanian people, Tasmanian wildlife, Tasmanian laws.
The strongest association is with the carnivorous marsupial, the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii).
Yes, informally. Saying someone is 'like a Tasmanian devil' means they are working or moving with chaotic, frenetic energy.
'Tasmanian' is the standard, formal term. 'Taswegian' is a playful, informal portmanteau of 'Tasmania' and 'Norwegian', sometimes used by Australians for Tasmanians.
Relating to the Australian island state of Tasmania, its inhabitants, or its unique flora and fauna.
Tasˈmanian is usually formal when referring to geography/demographics; informal/humorous in extended metaphorical use. in register.
Tasˈmanian: in British English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ən/, and in American English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(work) like a Tasmanian devil (informal: with frenzied energy)”
- “rarer than a Tasmanian tiger”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the cartoon 'Tasmanian Devil' – a whirlwind of energy from the island of TASmania. TAS-manian.
Conceptual Metaphor
TASMANIAN DEVIL IS A FORCE OF NATURE / TASMANIA IS AN ISOLATED ARK (of unique species).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'Tasmanian' used correctly?