English-speaking
|en-glish-speak-ing|
/ˈɪŋɡlɪʃˌspiːkɪŋ/
speaks English
Etymology
'English-speaking' originates from English, specifically the words 'English' and 'speaking', where 'English' referred to things of or relating to the Angles (a Germanic people) and 'speak' meant 'to utter words'.
'English' comes from Old English 'Englisc' (from the name of the Angles, 'Engle' or 'Angel-'), and 'speak' comes from Old English 'specan'/'sprecan'. The compound 'English-speaking' is a modern English formation combining the adjective 'English' with the present participle 'speaking' to describe the ability or habitual use of the English language.
Initially, 'English' identified people or things associated with the Angles or England; combined as 'English-speaking' it originally meant 'speaking English' and has retained that basic meaning into modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
used (often collectively) to refer to people who speak English.
The English-speaking in the region tend to prefer radio programs in English.
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Adjective 1
able to speak English; used to describe people, places, institutions, or countries where English is commonly used or spoken.
She works at an English-speaking school.
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Last updated: 2025/09/02 02:05