Castilian
|cas-til-ian|
/kæsˈtɪliən/
of/from Castile; Castile Spanish
Etymology
'Castilian' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'castellano', where the Latin root 'castellum' meant 'castle'.
'Castilian' changed from Latin 'castellanus' into Spanish 'castellano', and eventually became the modern English word 'Castilian'.
Initially it meant 'of a castle' (from Latin), later 'of Castile' (the region), and over time it came to denote the language and people of Castile; today it often means the standard Spanish language.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Spanish language as spoken in Castile; often used to mean standard Spanish (also called 'Castellano').
The students studied Castilian to prepare for their exchange in Madrid.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person from Castile (a historical region of Spain).
He identified himself as a Castilian rather than simply Spanish.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/18 23:54