mongolian
UK[mɒŋˈɡəʊliən]US[mɑːŋˈɡoʊliən]
adj
Relating to Mongolia, its people, or their languages.
n
A native or inhabitant of Mongolia.
n
The language of Mongolia, especially the official Khalkha dialect.
Morpheme Breakdown
mongol
ian
mongol
ian
belonging to
Etymology
The word "Mongolian" is a demonym formed by appending the English adjectival suffix "-ian" to the ethnonym "Mongol". The name "Mongol" itself is of uncertain ultimate origin but is the self-designation of the people, first recorded in Chinese sources of the 8th-9th centuries. The suffix "-ian", entering English via Latin from the earlier Greek "-ianos", systematically creates terms denoting origin or affiliation. Thus, the term's logic is transparent: it directly signifies a connection to the Mongols, their land, and their culture.
Analysis
Structure: mongol + ian
- mongol: The name of the ethnic group and region, derived from the name of the Mongol people. Origin: Mongolian "Mongɣol".
- ian: A suffix forming adjectives and nouns meaning "belonging to" or "relating to". Origin: Latin "-ianus".
Examples
The Mongolian steppe is a vast and beautiful landscape.
She is studying the grammar of the Mongolian language.
Traditional Mongolian clothing is called a deel.