Catalonian

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. Relating to the region of Catalonia in northeastern Spain; associated with the Catalan language or culture; denoting a person originating from this area
2. Pertaining to Catalonia, including its people, traditions, or linguistic heritage; connected with the Catalan language or identity; descriptive of those from this autonomous community
3. Concerning the area of Catalonia or anything affiliated with its unique culture, language, and inhabitants; identifying someone from this part of Spain; referring to Catalan customs or speech

Etymology: "Catalonian" is a plain formation: the place name "Catalonia" with the suffix "-an" added, which turns a place into an adjective or a noun for its people. The suffix itself has a long pedigree. It descends from a Proto-Italic form, passed into Latin as "-ānus", and reached English through Old French "-ain" and Middle English "-an", so the ending that now sits on "Catalonia" is the same one found in words like "Roman" and "American." The place name carries the older history. "Catalonia" comes from the Catalan region's name, and the same pattern built the other "-an" nationalities and regional adjectives in English. Because the suffix is so productive, English speakers could form "Catalonian" directly from the place name whenever they needed it.

Synonyms: catalan