tocantins: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Geographical
Quick answer
What does “tocantins” mean?
A proper noun referring to a state in Brazil and a major river in South America.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to a state in Brazil and a major river in South America.
Refers specifically to the 26th Brazilian state (capital Palmas) or the Tocantins River, a major tributary of the Amazon River system. Can also appear in contexts relating to Brazilian geography, culture, or administrative divisions.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Primarily geographical or political connotations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, appearing only in specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tocantins” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tocantins” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Tocantins region has unique cerrado vegetation.
American English
- The Tocantins basin is ecologically diverse.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts of Brazilian agriculture, mining, or logistics.
Academic
Used in geography, environmental studies, and Latin American studies.
Everyday
Virtually non-existent outside Brazil or specific discussions.
Technical
Used in hydrology, cartography, and political science.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tocantins”
- Incorrect capitalization ('tocantins'), incorrect pluralization, mispronunciation stressing the first syllable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency proper noun used only in specific geographical or Brazilian contexts.
In American English, it is approximately /ˌtoʊ.kənˈtins/. In British English, it is /ˌtɒ.kənˈtiːns/.
Yes, in a limited geographical sense, e.g., 'Tocantins culture' or 'Tocantins ecology.'
It is primarily a proper noun, but can function attributively as an adjective (e.g., Tocantins region).
A proper noun referring to a state in Brazil and a major river in South America.
Tocantins is usually formal/geographical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'TO CAN'T INS'ert Brazil without Tocantins - it's a key part of the country.
Conceptual Metaphor
A geographical anchor (representing a fixed point on a map or in a system).
Practice
Quiz
What is Tocantins?