Indian Meaning
Indian Definition & Usage
Of or pertaining to the country of India or its people.
Examples
- "She wore a beautiful Indian sari to the wedding."
- "Indian cuisine is famous for its bold spices and flavors."
- "The Indian government recently passed new environmental laws."
- "He studied Indian philosophy at university."
- "The museum has a special exhibition on Indian art."
A person from the country of India, or a member of the ethnic group native to the Indian subcontinent.
Examples
- "He is an Indian who moved to the United States for his studies."
- "Indians are known for their hospitality and warmth."
- "The community of Indians in this city has been growing steadily."
- "She has many Indian friends who she met through work."
- "The Indian diaspora is one of the largest in the world."
Historically, 'Indian' was used to refer to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, especially the native groups encountered by European colonizers.
Examples
- "Christopher Columbus mistakenly referred to the native people of the Americas as 'Indians'."
- "The term 'Indian' is now considered outdated and offensive by many indigenous groups."
- "Early explorers often confused the indigenous peoples of the Americas with those of India."
- "The American Indian movement fought for civil rights and recognition of indigenous cultures."
- "Many indigenous communities in North and South America prefer to be identified by their specific tribal names rather than the general term 'Indian'."
Cultural Context
The word 'Indian' has multiple meanings, with historical, geographical, and cultural connotations. It can refer to anything related to India or its people, and is commonly used to describe the culture, cuisine, and people of India. However, the term has also been historically misapplied to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, a mistake that arose from early European exploration.
The Journey of Anjali
Story
The Journey of Anjali
Anjali had always been fascinated by her roots. Born in the bustling streets of Mumbai, she had moved to New York for her higher studies. The adjustment was challenging, but she found solace in her Indian heritage. She would often reminisce about the rich history and vibrant festivals of her homeland, and one such evening, while sitting in a cozy cafe with her friends, she started sharing stories of her experiences in India. 'You know,' Anjali said, taking a sip of her chai, 'India has such a diverse culture. The food, the languages, the festivals — it's impossible to capture it all in words.' Her friend Ben, who had traveled to India last summer, nodded. 'I tried to learn about Indian cuisine, but it's so complex! Curry here doesn't compare to the real thing.' Anjali smiled, feeling proud. 'Exactly. You can't just call it curry; it's a whole range of dishes, each region with its own specialties.' Later that evening, Anjali joined a virtual meeting with her colleagues back in Mumbai. As they discussed a new project, she couldn't help but feel connected to her Indian roots, even across continents. 'You know,' she said, 'this project could really bring some of that Indian spirit into the international markets.' As Anjali's story unfolded, her friends noticed how easily she weaved together her love for both her Indian heritage and her life in the U.S. It was clear that the word 'Indian' for her encapsulated a wealth of meaning — from the vibrant colors of her culture to the complexities of her identity as an immigrant. Later that night, Anjali read a book about the indigenous peoples of the Americas. 'It's strange how the term Indian came to be used for both us and them,' she thought. 'But even in that, there's a deep connection to the past — to the way we all came to be who we are.' The night ended with laughter, chai, and a deeper understanding of what it meant to be Indian — in every sense of the word.
Related Words
