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Isles of Scilly

Isles of Scilly

1 7.1
A group of small islands off the southwest coast of England
  • proper noun
: Islas de Scilly
  • The Isles of Scilly are known for their mild climate and beautiful beaches.

Examples

  • The Isles of Scilly are known for their stunning beaches.

  • Last summer, we took a boat trip to the Isles of Scilly from Cornwall.

  • The Isles of Scilly attract visitors with their unique flora and clear waters.

  • Have you ever visited the Isles of Scilly?

  • The Isles of Scilly are known for their stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.

  • Many tourists visit the Isles of Scilly each summer to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

  • The Isles of Scilly are a popular destination for birdwatching and nature lovers.

Synonyms

Scilly Islands
vsIsles of Scilly
1 5.8

A group of small islands off the southwest coast of England with mild weather and beautiful scenery

is a neutral geographic name without the added historical note

Surface Forms

Morphology

isle + of + Scilly

A B1 learner who knows 'isle' (small island) and the preposition 'of' can readily infer that 'Isles of Scilly' denotes islands named Scilly — i.e., an archipelago — even if the proper name 'Scilly' is unfamiliar. This place-name composition (noun + of + proper name) is cross-linguistically common and therefore immediately interpretable from its constituents.

Etymology

Isles of Scilly may come from an old word for low, rocky 'shelves' or 'rocks' in the sea, giving a clear picture of small flat islands like shelves. That's why Isles of Scilly names the small group of islands off the southwest coast of England.