tonkinese: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “tonkinese” mean?
A breed of domestic cat that is a cross between Siamese and Burmese breeds.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of domestic cat that is a cross between Siamese and Burmese breeds.
Also refers to a native or inhabitant of Tonkin, a historical region in northern Vietnam.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage.
Connotations
Similarly associated with cat breeding or historical references in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally rare in both British and American English, primarily used in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tonkinese” in a Sentence
noun + catadjective + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tonkinese” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Tonkinese cat is very playful.
American English
- The Tonkinese cat is very affectionate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not typically used.
Academic
Used in historical studies or veterinary science.
Everyday
Rare, mostly among cat enthusiasts.
Technical
Common in cat breeding and veterinary contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tonkinese”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tonkinese”
- Misspelling as 'tonkinese' or 'tonkinise', confusing with 'Siamese' or 'Burmese'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A Tonkinese cat is a breed that results from crossing Siamese and Burmese cats, known for its playful and affectionate temperament.
The name derives from Tonkin, a region in northern Vietnam, though the breed was developed in North America.
No, it can also refer to people or things related to Tonkin, but this usage is historical and less common today.
In British English, it's /ˌtɒŋkɪˈniːz/, and in American English, it's /ˌtɑːŋkɪˈniːz/, with stress on the last syllable.
A breed of domestic cat that is a cross between Siamese and Burmese breeds.
Tonkinese is usually formal/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Tonkin' from Vietnam and 'Siamese' to remember this cat breed's origin.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'tonkinese' primarily refer to in modern English?