Words / B2

TRYBL/ˈtraɪbl/

Tribal means to do with a tribe, or (disapproving) fiercely loyal to a group: tribal boundaries; tribal politics. Tribe is the noun (next entry); ethnic is a wider exam word. Map tribal boundaries only if the source uses that term. Mix-up: tribal vs triable (can be tried in court); trivial (later). Do not use tribal as a casual insult for a sports crowd in a serious paper unless the source does.

Meaning

Connected with a tribe; also (disapproving) fiercely loyal to a group.

Examples

• “Map tribal boundaries only if the source uses that term, the history brief said.”
• “Tribal loyalty in the party featured in the politics extract, which is the faction sense — still name the faction.”

Good to know

tribal boundaries / leaders / politics; tribally. Noun: tribe. Trap: trivial / triable. History, geography, and politics. Of a tribe, or partisan loyalty — handle with the source’s wording.

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