oriental
UK/ɔːriˈentl/US/.ɒ:ri'entl/
IELTSTOEFLB2
Definitions
adj.
Of or relating to the countries of the East, especially East Asia
东方的，东洋的（尤指东亚）
n.
(dated, now often offensive) a person from East Asia
（过时、现多含冒犯）东方人
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedorientrise, begin, be born
+
-alrelating to, having the nature of
=oriental
orient (the East) + -al (relating to) = 'of the East.' Fine for objects (oriental art, oriental rug), but applied to people it is now considered dated and offensive — use Asian or East Asian instead.
Usage Guide
Acceptable for objects, cuisine, and design (oriental carpet, oriental spices). Applied to people it is now widely regarded as offensive in modern English; prefer Asian / East Asian.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The museum has a fine collection of oriental ceramics.
- 2.
She bought a beautiful oriental rug for the hallway.