Ethiopic

[ ee-thee-op-ik, -oh-pik ]

adjective

1. Ethiopian.

noun

1. a subdivision of Semitic languages that includes Amharic, Tigré, Tigrinya, and Geez, all of Ethiopia.
2. Geez.

Ethiopic

/ -ˈəʊpɪk; ˌiːθɪˈɒpɪk /

noun

1. the ancient language of Ethiopia, belonging to the Semitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family: a Christian liturgical language See also Ge'ez
2. the group of languages developed from this language, including Amharic, Tigre, and Tigrinya

adjective

1. denoting or relating to this language or group of languages
2. a less common word for Ethiopian

Word History and Origins

Origin of Ethiopic¹

From the Latin word Aethiopicus, dating back to 1650–60. See Ethiop, -ic

Example Sentences

After the play, the professor took the class to a restaurant called Ethiopic, where she had reserved four tables on the patio to sample huge platters of Ethiopian food.

From Washington Post

I pray in Hebrew while Ethiopian Jews pray in Geez, an ancient Ethiopic language.

From BBC

The exhibit includes many weird and unusual types of books, including a single sheet of 25 x 25 x 7 mm paper on which the Lord’s Prayer has been micrographically inscribed in black ink; a 51 mm tall Ethiopic manuscript from the 19th or early 20th century, written on wooden boards and stored in a two-piece leather case; and a heart-shaped 19th-century possibly-French book that opens into an elaborate puzzle of poetry and prayers.

From New York Times

Among Washington’s crowded and evolving Ethiopian dining scene, Ethiopic stands apart as the best option for a quiet dinner.

From Washington Post

Ethiopic is especially welcoming to newcomers who may not be well acquainted with the traditional East African cuisine: Knives and forks are available for those who’d rather not eat with their fingers, and the minced-beef kitfo might not be as fiery as at smaller spots.

From Washington Post