British

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British is the adjectival form of Britain. In terms of etymology, it is derived from Pretannic, a term once used as collective description for the inhabitants of both Great Britain and Ireland —- contentiously named the British Isles. The term can be seen in the following contexts:

In a geographical context, it usually applies to someone or something from the island of Great Britain, or less frequently to someone or something from the United Kingdom or the British Isles.
In a political context it applies to a person or object from, or the people or nation of:
*1707 to 1801 – (United) Kingdom of Great Britain
*1801 to 1922 – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
*1922 to date – United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
*The British Empire, especially British North America
*Additionally the prefix British was often applied to an area or territory governed by or a dependent territory of the United Kingdom, for example the British Virgin Islands, the British Indian Ocean Territory, or British Columbia.
In the phrase the 'British Isles'
In a military context it can refer to Armed Forces of the United Kingdom and historically to forces of the British Empire; native regiments of British East Africa or the British East India Company and other former colonies, or forces of the British Commonwealth, or any allied force under the command of the military of the United Kingdom.
In an historical context it can refer to territory of the British Empire, or a dependent territory of the United Kingdom, or territory under occupation of British forces.
As a term used by linguists for British English dialects collectively, or of the extinct Celtic language now called "British" or Brythonnic. ("British language" is never used when "English language" is meant.)
In an ethnological context it refers to a person of British nationality and/or descent whether resident in the United Kingdom or abroad.
Anthropologists sometimes apply it to the Brythonic people who once inhabited much of the island now known as Great Britain or the earlier Pretani, a term which arguably incorporated people throughout the British Isles.
In a competition or sporting context it can refer to a competitor or a number of competitors representing the United Kingdom (or in the case of the Olympics Great Britain) in a sporting event, but who does not otherwise possess a strong affiliation with the United Kingdom.
Lord British is a character from the Ultima series of computer games.

British

See also