The term American Indian has been steadily replaced in the US, especially in official contexts, by the more recent term Native American (first recorded in the 1950s and becoming prominent in the 1970s). The latter is preferred by some as being a more accurate and respectful description （the word Indian recalling Columbus' assumption that, on reaching America, he had reached the east coast of India）, as well as avoiding the stereotype of cowboys and Indians in the stories of the Wild West. American Indian is still widespread in general use even in the US, however, perhaps at least partly owing to the fact that it is not normally regarded as offensive by American Indians themselves, and it is the term used in this dictionary. Nevertheless, since the category American Indian is very broad, it is preferable, where possible, to name the specific people, as Apache, Comanche, or Sioux. See also usage at NATIVE AMERICAN and comments at AMERINDIAN .