Would some words to describe American culture be of use to you? We’ve included 10 below, complete with definitions and examples of how they can be used in a story.
1. Diverse
Definition
Multifarious, varied; indicating a range of different things.
Examples
“The story unfolded in the diverse neighborhoods along the east coast of America.”
“America possessed a diverse population of people that varied from one city to the next.”
How it Adds Description
The word “diverse” paints a vivid picture of American culture as a melting pot of various backgrounds, traditions, and customs. It helps set a dynamic scene where interactions and events are influenced by a wide range of perspectives. This type of culture indicates that the characters may encounter different views, fostering tension, conflict, or harmony as the story progresses.
2. Innovative
Definition
Creative, original; introducing new ideas or methods.
Examples
“He admired the innovative spirit that drove many of the high-tech cities in America to pursue new creations for tomorrow’s world.”
“The innovative technology found in places like New York and California was life-changing, not only for Americans but for people across the globe.”
How it Adds Description
The word “innovative” is a cornerstone word that defines American culture as forward-thinking and creative. In a story, it could signify that the characters are in an environment that encourages fresh thinking and progress, which may shape their ambitions and challenges. It might also lend to a scene in which creative problem-solving is needed to overcome an issue.
3. Entrepreneurial
Definition
Business-oriented, innovative; having the qualities to set up and manage a business.
Examples
“The entrepreneurial spirit of her new country led her to start her own business.”
“The entrepreneurial culture of most American cities is well known around the world.”
How it Adds Description
The term “entrepreneurial” suggests a culture that embraces risk-taking, innovation, and determination. In a story, it might lead to subplots involving start-ups, business conflicts, or opportunities, contributing to character development or challenges that may help move the plot further along.
4. Disconnected
Definition
Detached, isolated; not connected or integrated with each other.
Examples
“Despite living in a bustling city, he felt disconnected from those around him.”
“The disconnected culture made it difficult for her to form meaningful relationships.”
How it Adds Description
By using “disconnected” to describe the culture, it implies a society where personal relationships or community bonds may be weak. This can be used to create characters who are searching for connection or grappling with feelings of loneliness or alienation. It could also drive themes of disconnection versus community, and the human need for social interaction and connection.
5. Patriotic
Definition
Nationalistic, loyal; having or expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country.
Examples
“Their patriotic fervor in the American culture was evident on the Fourth of July.”
“She couldn’t help but feel a surge of patriotic pride at the sight of the flag flying over the downed spacecraft of the alien aggressors.”
How it Adds Description
The word “patriotic” emphasizes a cultural sentiment of national pride and loyalty, which could serve as a source of unity or division among characters, depending on their personal experiences and beliefs. It can be used to portray how Americans come together to protect their country or clash with outsiders who don’t hold the same values or beliefs.
6. Materialistic
Definition
Consumeristic, acquisitive; focused excessively on material possessions or wealth.
Examples
“Everyone seemed lost in the dizzying array of consumer goods, their attention consumed by materialistic pursuits.”
“His American friends were so materialistic, more interested in his new car than in his recent achievements.”
How it Adds Description
Using the word “materialistic” might be used to describe a country where people struggle to balance their pursuit of material wealth with other personal values. This focus on materialism can also set up a critique of consumer culture, providing an avenue for the writer to explore themes related to sustainability, happiness, and the true cost of unbridled consumerism.
7. Individualistic
Definition
Self-centered, egocentric; valuing independence and self-reliance over collective or community goals.
Examples
“The individualistic mindset was so ingrained that people often forgot the value of community.”
“Her American individualistic approach to life had left her feeling isolated in this foreign land.”
How it Adds Description
“Individualistic” can portray a culture where the pursuit of personal goals and success overshadows community or collective needs. This can lead to conflicts or dilemmas within the story, as characters might struggle with the effects of isolation, or face difficult choices between personal ambition and communal responsibility.
8. Competitive
Definition
Aggressive, cutthroat; inclined or designed to compete or succeed at the expense of others.
Examples
“The competitive nature of the American job market made him question his worth.”
“Her childhood had been steeped in a competitive culture, where winning was the only thing that mattered.”
How it Adds Description
“Competitive” can characterize a culture where success is often equated with outdoing others. Characters might grapple with feelings of inadequacy, leading to personal growth or change. This description also provides opportunities to explore themes of competition versus collaboration and the definition of success.
9. Litigious
Definition
Legalistic, quarrelsome; tending to engage in lawsuits or litigation.
Examples
“The litigious society made him hesitant to even start a small business.”
“Living in such a litigious culture, she was always on her guard, fearing potential lawsuits.”
How it Adds Description
By describing the culture as “litigious”, the author can introduce elements of legal conflict or tension into the narrative. This description can also imply a sense of paranoia or a lack of trust between characters, which could drive interpersonal conflicts, create suspense, and set up potential dramatic situations involving legal issues.
10. Overstimulated
Definition
Hyperactive, overexcited; exposed to too many stimuli, resulting in restlessness or difficulty focusing.
Examples
“She felt overstimulated by the endless stream of media and information on American television.”
“The overstimulated culture, with its incessant noise and activity, left him craving peace and quiet.”
How it Adds Description
“Overstimulated” can portray a culture that’s constantly bombarded with information, activities, and stimuli. This can drive characters to seek solitude, balance, or ways to cope with this overload. It could also provoke a discussion about the impact of technology, media, and constant connectivity on mental health and focus.