britain
britain — noun
1. the large island off north-western Europe where England, Scotland, and Wales are
the large island off north-western Europe where England, Scotland, and Wales are located; it is the main land mass of the United Kingdom
Lotte took a ferry from Dublin to Holyhead and arrived in Britain the next morning.
collocation: arrive in Britain
The Romans invaded the island in 43 AD, called it Britannia, and built roads and walls over four hundred years.
historical context: Britannia as Latin name
For a school project, Hana used a map to see the island of Britain is about six hundred miles long.
Every year, millions of visitors to Britain fly into Heathrow Airport and begin their trip in London.
Ben Nevis in Scotland — over thirteen hundred metres — is Britain's highest peak and draws thousands of hikers each year.
- Great Britain
the full formal name of the island; 'Britain' is a shortened form
文法句型
used as a proper noun with no article in most contexts
用法筆記
This sense refers strictly to the geographical island. When talking about the country as a political unit, use 'the United Kingdom' or see sense 2.
常見錯誤
2. the country consisting of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, used both in offic
the country consisting of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, used both in official documents and in everyday speech as a shorter name for the United Kingdom
Britain signed a new trade agreement with Japan last year, cutting taxes on car exports worth billions.
collocation: Britain signs / signs agreement (country as agent)
Britain's Prime Minister gave a speech about plans to improve the National Health Service.
collocation: Britain's Prime Minister / Britain's [government role]
Britain sent aid workers and medical supplies to the region after the earthquake.
The Union Jack is the flag of Britain, combining emblems of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Caleb told his friends he was moving to Britain, but his job was in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
The singer's new song became famous across Britain, reaching number one in Belfast, Cardiff, and Glasgow.
Hana's family drove from Belfast to Scotland — she says she crossed the water from one part of Britain to another.
- the United Kingdom
the longer, officially correct name; preferred in formal contexts
- the UK
common abbreviation, neutral register; less ambiguous than 'Britain' for including Northern Ireland
文法句型
used as a proper noun; often takes singular verb
用法筆記
In formal writing (treaties, official documents), 'the United Kingdom' is the preferred term. However, 'Britain' is extremely common in journalism, everyday formal speech, and casual conversation to refer to the whole UK including Northern Ireland. Some people from Northern Ireland find this inclusive use of 'Britain' factually incorrect, so avoid it in careful writing or when speaking with someone from Northern Ireland.