castilian
UK[kaˈstɪlɪən]US[kæˈstɪljən]
adj
Relating to Castile, its people, or the variety of Spanish spoken there, considered the standard form of the language.
n
A native or inhabitant of Castile.
n
The standard literary and official form of the Spanish language, based on the dialect of Castile.
Morpheme Breakdown
castil
ian
castil
e) (region name
ian
pertaining to
Etymology
The word 'Castilian' is a straightforward demonym derived from the name of the historic region of Castile in Spain. The name 'Castile' originates from the Latin 'castella', meaning 'castles', a reference to the numerous fortresses built in the area during the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The suffix '-ian', of Latin origin, is a common English pattern for forming adjectives and nouns denoting origin or association. Therefore, 'Castilian' literally means 'of or pertaining to Castile', a designation that evolved to specifically denote the prestigious dialect of Spanish that arose from that region and became the national standard.
Analysis
Structure: castil(e) (region name) + ian (pertaining to)
- castil(e): From the name 'Castile', a region and former kingdom in central Spain. The name itself is of Latin origin, from 'castella', the plural of 'castellum' meaning 'castle'.
- ian: A suffix of Latin origin ('-ianus'), used to form adjectives and nouns meaning 'belonging to', 'relating to', or 'pertaining to'.
Examples
The Castilian accent is often considered the purest form of Spanish.
He is a proud Castilian from the city of Valladolid.
The book was translated into Castilian, not a regional dialect.