# Aryan

/ˈɑɹiən/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aryan
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

relating to a group of people who spoke an ancient language in India and Europe. In history, this word was also used by some groups to describe a supposed 'master race', which makes it very sensitive and often offensive today.

For teachers: relating to the Indo-Iranian languages or the people who spoke them; in a historical and political context, associated with 19th-century racial theories and Nazi ideology. Often capitalised; usage in a racial sense is highly controversial and generally considered offensive.

## Examples

- Historians study the migration of ancient Aryan tribes.
- Scholars must distinguish between the legitimate linguistic study of Indo-Aryan languages and the pseudoscientific racial myths that emerged in the nineteenth century.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an adjective to modify nouns like 'tribes', 'languages', or 'ideology'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.