Conclusion
Assegai is a word that has been used for centuries by various African tribes, and it refers to a type of spear that was used for hunting and warfare. This weapon was also used by the Zulu people during the Anglo-Zulu War in the late 19th century. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of assegai, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Assegai is defined as a long, narrow-bladed spear that was traditionally used by various African tribes. It is a weapon that was used for hunting and warfare, and it is still used in some parts of Africa today.
Origin
The word assegai comes from the Zulu language, which is spoken by the Zulu people in South Africa. The word is derived from the Zulu word “isigai,” which means “spear.”
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, assegai is defined as “a long, narrow-bladed spear used by various African tribes for hunting and warfare.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines assegai as “a slender spear used by various African peoples.”
Associations
Assegai is often associated with African culture, specifically with the Zulu people. It is also associated with hunting and warfare, as it was traditionally used for these purposes.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for assegai include spear, lance, javelin, and pike.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for assegai, as it is a specific type of weapon.
The same root words
Assegai is derived from the Zulu word “isigai,” which means “spear.” Other words derived from this root include “umkhonto,” which means “spear” in Xhosa, another South African language.
Example Sentences
- The Zulu warriors wielded assegais during the Anglo-Zulu War.
- The hunter used an assegai to take down the wildebeest.
- The museum displayed a collection of African weapons, including assegais and shields.
Assegai is a word that has been used for centuries to describe a specific type of spear that was used by various African tribes. It is a weapon that is still used in some parts of Africa today, and it is often associated with African culture and with hunting and warfare.