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westerner

B2
nounadjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /wˈɛstənə/

US

  • /ˈwɛstərnər/

Description

The term "Westerner" usually refers to a person from the West, especially from Europe or North America. In many situations, it is not only about where someone is from. It can also suggest a connection to Western culture, history, or social habits.

The meaning can change with the context. A historian might use "Westerner" when talking about the spread of European ideas during the colonial period. A traveler in Asia might be called a "Westerner" simply because they come from a Western country. It is a broad label, so it does not describe every person from those places in the same way. You might hear someone say, "The Westerner's view of this issue is different," to point to a particular cultural point of view.

Examples

  1. 1

    Cultural adjustment

    As a westerner living in Bangkok, she had to get used to taking off her shoes before entering a home.

  2. 2

    Language ability

    Some locals were surprised that the westerner spoke such natural Japanese.

  3. 3

    Business culture

    Many westerners find the direct style of German business meetings unusual at first.

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • westernernounadjective

Forms

  • westernerspluralnounadjective