annamese
|an-na-mese|
/ˌæn.əˈmiːz/
of/from Annam (historical)
Etymology
'annamese' originates from English, specifically formed from the placename 'Annam' + the suffix '-ese', where 'Annam' ultimately comes from Sino-Vietnamese 'An Nam' (Chinese '安南') meaning 'peaceful south' and the suffix '-ese' (from Italian '-ese' < Latin '-ensis') forms adjectives and demonyms.
'annamese' changed from European usages of the placename such as Portuguese/French 'Annam' and related adjectival forms (e.g. French 'Annamite'); in 19th-century English 'Annamese' was used for the people and language of Annam, but the term was gradually replaced by 'Vietnamese' in modern usage.
Initially, it meant 'of or from Annam; a person or language of Annam', but over time its use became archaic and the modern term 'Vietnamese' largely replaced it.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person from Annam (historic name for a region of central Vietnam); historically also used to refer to the Vietnamese language or its speakers (now archaic).
Several annamese attended the market in the provincial town.
Synonyms
Adjective 1
of or relating to Annam (the historical region) or its people, culture, or language; archaic in modern usage.
19th-century travelers wrote about annamese customs and dress.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/15 02:22