African American – Definition & Meaning

The term African American is used to describe individuals who are of African descent and live in the United States. This term has a rich history and has evolved over time to reflect the changing social and political landscape of America. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of African American.

Definitions

African American is a term that is used to describe people who are of African descent and live in the United States. This term is often used interchangeably with Black or Afro-American. The term African American is used to describe people who have roots in Africa, but who were brought to the United States as slaves.

Origin

The term African American has its roots in the civil rights movement of the 1960s. During this time, African Americans were fighting for their rights and equality in the United States. The term was used to describe people who were of African descent and had been brought to the United States as slaves.

Meaning in different dictionaries

The meaning of African American can vary depending on the dictionary that is used. In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, African American is defined as “an American of African and especially of black African ancestry.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines African American as “a person of African descent who is a citizen or resident of the United States.”

Associations

African American is often associated with the civil rights movement, slavery, and discrimination. However, it is also associated with the rich culture and contributions that African Americans have made to American society.

Synonyms

There are several synonyms for African American, including Black, Afro-American, and person of color.

Antonyms

The antonyms of African American include White, Caucasian, and person of European descent.

The same root words

The same root words as African American include African, American, and Black.

Example Sentences

2. The African American community has made significant contributions to American culture.
3. The civil rights movement was led by African American activists such as Martin Luther King Jr.
4. African American history is an important part of American history.
5. African American culture has influenced music, art, and literature in the United States.