Amerind

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "Amerind" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the indigenous peoples of the Americas, particularly in anthropological or historical contexts. Example: "The Amerind cultures have a rich history that predates European colonization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Papuan art may not be as varied or exciting as that of many African or Amerind peoples, but it records a vibrant community.

The New York Times - Arts

American Indian, also called Indian, Native American, indigenous American, aboriginal American, Amerindian, or Amerind, member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In May 1950, the Bangkok Post described King Bhumibol's coronation thus: "Three days of elaborate rituals began in the morning of 5 May, with a ceremonial bath within the vast courtyard of the Amerind Hall, where the king, dressed in the attire of a Brahmin priest, faced east and had holy water poured over his shoulders.

The Guardian

Native American, also called American Indian, Amerindian, Amerind, Indian, aboriginal American, or First Nation person, member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere, although the term often connotes only those groups whose original territories were in present-day Canada and the United States.

Britannica

Terry Hunt, an archaeologist at the University of Hawaii, came to the Amerind conference with a different story.

The New York Times - Science

The stem tik means finger in Amerind, one in Sino-Tibetan, 'index finger' in Eskimo and 'middle finger' in Aleut.

The New York Times - Science

The new estimate undermines arguments for colonization as far back as 30,000 years ago, but reinforces archaeological findings and a linguistic theory that most American languages belong to a single family called Amerind.

The New York Times

By the time I left Amerind, I realized that what I had witnessed was a clash of world views.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Dr. Wallace's mitochondrial DNA data broadly support this general thesis, though the arrival of the Amerind-speakers seems more complex than a single migration.

The New York Times - Science

Of the A through D lineages found in American Indians, A, C and D also occur in Siberian peoples, suggesting that their ancestors were the principal source of the Amerind-speakers' migration.

The New York Times - Science

Dragoon is also home to an archaeological research center, the Amerind Foundation, where a group of archaeologists, cultural anthropologists and historians converged in the fall for a seminar, "Choices and Fates of Human Societies".

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If you're discussing the linguistic classification, it is best to clarify that "Amerind" refers to a hypothetical language family proposed by Joseph Greenberg.

Common error

Avoid using "Amerind" without providing context or clarifying its meaning, especially if your audience is unfamiliar with anthropological or linguistic classifications. It's better to specify who you are referring to.

Linguistic Context

The term "Amerind" functions both as a noun, referring to an American Indian, and as an adjective, relating to a hypothetical language family. As Ludwig shows, it often appears in anthropological and linguistic contexts. However, it should be used carefully, considering more commonly accepted terms.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Amerind" serves as both a noun and an adjective, primarily within anthropological and linguistic discussions concerning indigenous populations and language families of the Americas. While grammatically correct, its usage requires careful consideration of context and audience, as alternatives like "Native American" or "Indigenous peoples of the Americas" may be more appropriate in certain situations. As Ludwig confirms, the term appears most frequently in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts, reflecting a neutral to formal register. Due to evolving terminology and historical sensitivities, clarity and awareness are essential when employing the term "Amerind".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Amerindian

A synonym for "Amerind", often used interchangeably in scientific and historical contexts.

Native American

More commonly used term to refer to indigenous peoples of the Americas, particularly in the United States.

Indigenous American

Emphasizes the origin and belonging of the people to the American continent.

American Indian

A traditional term, although sometimes considered outdated or less respectful than "Native American".

Aboriginal American

Highlights the original or earliest known inhabitants of the Americas.

Indigenous peoples of the Americas

A more formal and inclusive way to refer to all the native populations of the Americas.

Peoples native to the Americas

Rephrasing that emphasizes people's connection to the land.

Original inhabitants of the Americas

Focuses on the historical aspect of being the first people to live in the Americas.

First Nation person

Commonly used in Canada to refer to indigenous peoples.

Native populations of the Western Hemisphere

A geographically specific term emphasizing the Western Hemisphere.

FAQs

What does the term "Amerind" mean?

The term "Amerind" refers to a member of any of the aboriginal peoples of the Western Hemisphere. It is also used in linguistics to describe a hypothetical language family including most indigenous languages of the Americas.

Is "Amerind" the same as "Native American"?

While both terms refer to indigenous peoples of the Americas, "Native American" is more commonly used in the United States. "Amerind" can also refer to a specific linguistic theory.

When is it appropriate to use "Amerind" instead of "Indigenous peoples of the Americas"?

Use "Amerind" when discussing the specific linguistic hypothesis proposed by Joseph Greenberg. In general discussions about people, "Indigenous peoples of the Americas" is more inclusive and respectful.

What are some other terms used to describe indigenous peoples of the Americas?

Other terms include "American Indian", "Aboriginal American", "Amerindian", and "First Nation person" (primarily in Canada). The most appropriate term depends on the context and the preference of the people being described.