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Glite Dictionary
Marquesas Islands

Marquesas Islands

1 7.4
A group of volcanic islands in the south central Pacific that are part of French Polynesia
  • proper noun
: Islas Marquesas
  • Volcanic peaks rise dramatically above the sea in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia.

Examples

  • The Marquesas Islands are known for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural traditions.

  • The Marquesas Islands are a beautiful group of volcanic islands located in French Polynesia.

  • Artist Paul Gauguin spent his final years living in the Marquesas Islands.

  • The Marquesas Islands are known for their stunning landscapes.

  • Did you know that the Marquesas Islands have a rich cultural heritage?

  • Visitors to the Marquesas Islands often admire their unique tropical flora and fauna.

  • Many sailors dream of visiting the remote Marquesas Islands in the South Pacific.

Synonyms

Iles Marquises
vsMarquesas Islands
8.8

A group of volcanic islands in the south central Pacific that are part of French Polynesia

is the English name for the same island group rather than the French form

Surface Forms

Marquesas Islands main

Morphology

Marquesas + island

The phrase is a toponym formed from a proper name plus the common noun 'islands'; even if a B1 learner does not know 'Marquesas' specifically, knowing 'island(s)' makes it clear the expression refers to a group of islands. This name+islands composition is a straightforward, cross-linguistically common pattern, so the basic meaning is derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Marquesas Islands is a place name that comes from the Spanish word Marquesas, which means 'marquises', a noble title. A Spanish explorer named the islands after a noble he wanted to honour, so the name stuck and today it refers to this group of islands in the Pacific.