Lithuanian

UK: ˌlɪθ.uˈeɪ.ni.ən | US: ˌlɪθ.uˈeɪ.ni.ən

Definition

  1. adj. relating to Lithuania, its people, or their language

  2. n. a native or inhabitant of Lithuania

  3. n. the Baltic language spoken in Lithuania

Structure
Lithuania <nation name>an <denoting origin or belonging>
Etymology

Lithuanian = Lithuania<nation name> + an<denoting origin or belonging>

  • Lithuania: Derived from the native name Lietuva, of uncertain origin, possibly from a Proto-Indo-European root related to "rain" or "flow."
  • an: A suffix of Latin origin (-anus), used to form adjectives meaning "pertaining to" or "originating from."

Etymology Origin:
The word Lithuanian combines the name of the Baltic country Lithuania (itself rooted in ancient tribal or geographic terms) with the suffix -an, which denotes affiliation. The name Lietuva (Lithuania) may trace back to a river or hydrological feature, reflecting the region’s landscape. The suffix -an was adopted via Latin into English to create demonyms (e.g., Roman → Romanian).

Examples

  1. Lithuanian is one of the oldest living Indo-European languages.

  2. She proudly displayed her Lithuanian heritage.

  3. The Lithuanian delegation arrived at the conference.

  4. He studied Lithuanian folklore for his thesis.

  5. Traditional Lithuanian cuisine includes dishes like cepelinai.