Amazigh
|A-ma-zigh|
/ˌæməˈziːɣ/
Self-name of the Indigenous North African (Berber) people
Etymology
'Amazigh' originates from Berber (Tamazight), specifically the word 'Amaziɣ', where the root 'maziɣ' is commonly interpreted as 'free (noble) man'.
'Amaziɣ' appeared in Arabic as 'ʾAmazīgh' and in French as 'Amazigh', and eventually became the modern English word 'Amazigh' through late 20th-century adoption.
Initially, it meant 'a free or noble man' as a self-designation, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of the Indigenous North African peoples and, as an adjective, relating to them'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of the Indigenous peoples of North Africa who self-identify as Amazigh (often called “Berber” in older or external usage).
An Amazigh from the Atlas Mountains shared stories of his family's traditions.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
relating to the Amazigh people, their languages, or their culture.
She is studying Amazigh history and oral poetry.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/10 05:07