English

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Etymology

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Compound of Switzer +‎ -land, adopted in the 16th century from Early Modern German Schwytzerland (land of the Swiss). Noun sense refers to the state’s political neutrality in both World Wars.

 
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Pronunciation

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  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˈswɪt.sə.lənd/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˈswɪt.sɚ.lənd/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Proper noun

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Switzerland's location

Switzerland

  1. A country in Western Europe and Central Europe. Official name: Swiss Confederation. Capital: Bern (de facto).
    Much of Switzerland is located in the Alps.

Derived terms

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Translations

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Noun

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Switzerland (uncountable)

  1. (figurative) A neutral party in a dispute; one who does not take sides.
    I’m not getting involved in this argument. I’m Switzerland.

See also

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