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Glite Dictionary
Philippine Islands

Philippine Islands

2.8
A group of many islands in the western Pacific Ocean that form the country the Philippines
  • proper noun
  • /ˈfɪlɪpiːn ˈaɪləndz/
translation icon : Islas Filipinas
  • The Philippine Islands are known for their rich biodiversity and stunning beaches.

Examples

  • Did you know the Philippine Islands have over 7,000 islands?

  • During World War II, the Philippine Islands played a crucial strategic role in the Pacific theater.

  • She spent her vacation exploring several of the Philippine Islands with her family.

  • The Philippine Islands are known for their beautiful beaches.

  • The Philippine Islands are known for their stunning beaches and vibrant cultures.

  • Many tourists visit the Philippine Islands to experience their diverse wildlife and natural beauty.

  • The Philippine Islands consist of over 7,000 islands, each offering unique attractions.

Synonyms

Philippines
vsPhilippine Islands
143 1.3

A country in Southeast Asia made of over seven thousand islands

is a geographic archipelago term focusing on the islands not the political name
Republic of the Philippines
vsPhilippine Islands
1.6

A country in Southeast Asia made up of more than seven thousand islands

is a geographic archipelago term emphasizing physical islands rather than formal state name

Surface Forms

Philippine Islands main

Morphology

Philippine + island

The meaning is directly compositional: 'Philippine' (connected to the Philippines) + 'islands' (pieces of land surrounded by water) clearly denotes the islands belonging to or associated with the Philippines. This literal place-name construction follows common cross-linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

The name Philippine Islands comes from Spanish explorers in the 1500s who named the group for King Philip of Spain and called it 'Las Islas Filipinas'. So Philippine refers to the king and Islands shows it is a group of islands, and that name stayed to mean the country made of many islands.