arabic
|a/rab/ic|
B1
/ˈærəbɪk/
relating to Arabs or their language
Etymology
Etymology Information
'arabic' originates from Late Latin 'Arabicus', from Greek 'Arabikos', ultimately referring to 'Arabia' and its people.
Historical Evolution
'arabic' changed from Latin 'Arabicus' and Old French 'arabe' into Middle English forms such as 'Arabik', and eventually became the modern English word 'arabic'.
Meaning Changes
Initially it meant 'of or relating to Arabia or the Arabs', and over time the meaning broadened to include the language and cultural aspects associated with Arabs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the Semitic language (or collective group of related dialects) spoken across the Arab world.
She is studying Arabic at university.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/30 16:52