Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Neanderthalian

Neanderthalian

9.9
Relating to the ancient human called Neanderthal
  • adjective
  • /niˈændərˌθeɪliən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : neandertal
  • Some scholars study Neanderthalian tools to learn about early human behavior.

Examples

  • The discovery shed light on Neanderthalian adaptations to cold climates.

  • The archaeologist presented a Neanderthalian skull recovered from the cave.

  • The Neanderthalian skull was discovered in a cave in Germany.

  • Some scientists believe that Neanderthalian traits still exist in modern humans.

  • The archaeologist presented a Neanderthalian skull recovered from the cave.

  • Some scholars study Neanderthalian tools to learn about early human behavior.

  • The discovery shed light on Neanderthalian adaptations to cold climates.

Synonyms

Neanderthal
vsNeanderthalian
  • Offensive
19 8.6

Relating to the early human species or showing primitive, rude behaviour

is a neutral descriptive form without pejorative meaning
Neandertal
vsNeanderthalian
  • UK
8.8

Relating to the extinct humans who lived in Europe and western Asia

is a broader term that omits time and species detail

Surface Forms

Neanderthalian positive

Morphology

Neanderthalian = Neanderthal (transparent) = Neanderthal + ian

Formed from the proper name 'Neanderthal' + the adjectival suffix '-ian'; the relation to the noun is direct and obvious.

Etymology

The word Neanderthalian comes from Neanderthal, the name of a valley in Germany where early human bones were found; thal means 'valley', like the English word 'dale'. So Neanderthalian simply means 'from Neanderthal' or 'relating to Neanderthal people', which is why we use it for their tools and features.