toltec: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “toltec” mean?
A member of an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 10th to the 12th century.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A member of an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 10th to the 12th century.
Relating to the culture, art, architecture, or influence of the Toltec people, often used in historical and archaeological contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Associated with ancient history, archaeology, and Mesoamerican studies in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily found in specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “toltec” in a Sentence
Used as a proper noun in nominal phrases, often attributively as an adjective.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “toltec” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Toltec ruins in Tula are a UNESCO site.
American English
- Toltec artifacts are showcased in the National Museum.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in contexts related to cultural heritage tourism or museum management.
Academic
Common in historical, archaeological, and anthropological research and publications.
Everyday
Very rare; encountered mainly in educational settings or documentaries.
Technical
Specific to Mesoamerican studies, including archaeology and ethnohistory.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “toltec”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “toltec”
- Incorrect capitalization (e.g., using 'toltec' instead of 'Toltec')
- Misspelling as 'Toltek' or 'Toltec' with alternate vowel sounds.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It derives from Nahuatl, meaning 'inhabitant of Tula', the capital city of the Toltec empire.
In British English, it's pronounced /ˈtɒltek/; in American English, it's /ˈtoʊltek/.
No, it is a specialized term mostly used in academic, historical, or archaeological contexts.
Yes, it can be used attributively to describe things related to the Toltec culture, e.g., 'Toltec art' or 'Toltec architecture'.
A member of an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in central Mexico from the 10th to the 12th century.
Toltec is usually academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Toll' as in ancient tolls or contributions, and 'tec' similar to 'tech' for their cultural advancements, linking to Toltec civilization.
Conceptual Metaphor
Toltec as a symbol of ancient wisdom and mysterious heritage.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Toltec' primarily refer to?