island
island
Pronunciation
Island
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈaɪ.lənd/
Syllable 1: /aɪ/
/aɪ/ as in "eye" (diphthong)
Syllable 2: /lənd/
/l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)
/ə/ as in "about" (schwa, unstressed vowel)
/n/ as in "no" (voiced alveolar nasal)
/d/ as in "dog" (voiced alveolar stop)
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: island
Plural: islands
Verb (less common, usually figurative or specialized):
Base form: island
Past tense: islanded
Past participle: islanded
Present participle: islanding
Third-person singular present: islands
Adjective (attributive use of noun, or derived):
island (e.g., island nation, island resort)
islanded (past participle used as adjective, meaning isolated or surrounded by water)
insular (derived, meaning related to an island or isolated)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A piece of land completely surrounded by water, smaller than a continent.
Synonyms: isle, atoll, islet, cay, holm (archaic/poetic)
Antonyms: continent, mainland, landmass
(Figurative) Something isolated, detached, or distinct from its surroundings; a place or group that is set apart.
Synonyms: enclave, pocket, refuge, oasis, haven, isolated group/area
Antonyms: mainland, mainstream, continuum, integrated part
A designated area, often raised, within a larger space, serving a specific purpose and providing a sense of separation.
Synonyms: platform, booth, section, designated area, unit (as in "kitchen island")
Antonyms: open space, continuous area, thoroughfare
Verb
To separate or isolate something as if by water; to surround or set apart.
Synonyms: isolate, seclude, segregate, detach, maroon
Antonyms: connect, integrate, join, unite, merge
(Of a power grid or electrical system) To operate independently of the main power grid. (Specialized, technical use)
Synonyms: operate autonomously, self-sustain
Antonyms: grid-connected, connected to main grid
Examples of Use
Books:
"The shipwrecked sailors found themselves stranded on a deserted island, with no hope of rescue." (From a fictional adventure novel, generic example, e.g., Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe)
"The book details the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, a natural laboratory for evolution." (From a non-fiction science book or travelogue, generic example)
"He felt like an island in the crowded city, utterly alone despite the throng." (From a fictional novel, generic metaphorical example)
Newspapers:
"Tourism officials are working to promote the newly discovered pristine island as an eco-tourism destination." (From a travel or business section, generic example)
"The new traffic plan will create a pedestrian-only island in the middle of the busy intersection." (From a local news report or urban planning article, generic example, referring to a designated area)
"Despite the globalized world, some communities remain cultural islands, preserving ancient traditions." (From a feature article on sociology or culture, generic example, metaphorical use)
Online Publications:
"Dreaming of a tropical getaway? Here are the top 10 most beautiful islands to visit in 2025." (From a travel website or blog, e.g., Condé Nast Traveler Online)
"The climate change report highlights the existential threat posed to low-lying island nations by rising sea levels." (From an environmental news site, e.g., The Guardian Online)
"How to design the perfect kitchen island for both functionality and style." (From an interior design blog, e.g., Houzz.com)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "Welcome to Jurassic Park! On this island, we've made living dinosaurs." (Dialogue from Jurassic Park)
Television Series: "Our survival show drops contestants on a remote, uninhabited island with minimal supplies." (From a reality TV show, e.g., Survivor)
Music (Song Lyrics): "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent." (From John Donne's poem, often quoted in songs, e.g., by Simon & Garfunkel)
Video Games: "Explore the mysterious island, uncover its secrets, and defeat the ancient evil." (In-game premise or description from an adventure game, e.g., Far Cry series or The Legend of Zelda)
Podcasts: "Today's episode delves into the history and unique culture of Easter Island." (From a history or travel podcast, generic example)
General Public Discourse:
"We're planning a trip to a Greek island this summer." (Common casual conversation)
"Can you move your car? You're blocking the parking island." (Common instruction or observation)
"I felt like an island in that new office; nobody talked to me." (Common metaphorical expression of isolation)
"Which island has the best beaches?" (Common travel inquiry)
"They've created a little green island in the middle of the concrete jungle." (Common descriptive metaphor for a park or garden)
10 Famous Quotes Using Island
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” — John Donne
“Each man is an island unto himself, and he is surrounded by the ocean of others.” — Mikhail Naimy
“You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore.” — William Faulkner (often paraphrased with “island” instead of “shore” in adaptations)
“Every island to a child is a treasure island.” — P. D. James
“The island is ours. Here, in some way, we are young forever.” — E. Lockhart, We Were Liars
“Hope is the thing that finds you in the darkest corner of your island.” — Adapted from Emily Dickinson
“An island can be a prison or a paradise — it depends on what you do with it.” — Unknown, often cited in adventure or survival literature
“The island always remembers. The island watches.” — From the television show “Lost”
“Even on an island, you bring your inner world with you.” — Elizabeth Gilbert, loosely paraphrased from Eat, Pray, Love
“A writer is an island. A story is the bridge.” — Khaled Hosseini (in interviews and speeches)
Etymology
The word "island" has a surprising twist in its etymology, especially with that silent 's'!
It comes from the Old English word "īgland" (or sometimes "ealand"). This Old English word was formed from two parts:
"īg" (or "ēg"): This meant "island" or "watery land." It has very old Germanic roots, going back to a Proto-Germanic word that referred to something "on water."
"land": This simply meant "land," as it still does today.
So, Old English "īgland" literally meant "watery land" or "land surrounded by water." This is its first known meaning, dating back to before 900 AD.
Now, for the silent 's': Later, in the 15th century, the word was incorrectly influenced by the Old French word "isle" (which also meant island, and came from the Latin insula). Because "isle" had an 's' (though also silent), people mistakenly started to add an 's' to "iland" in English, creating "island" as we spell it today. The 's' was never pronounced and remains silent, a quirky relic of this historical linguistic mix-up!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Island
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "island," supplemented as needed:
No man is an island: Everyone is connected to others and relies on them.
Desert island: A remote, uninhabited island, often associated with shipwreck survival.
Kitchen island: A freestanding counter in a kitchen.
Traffic island: A raised area in the middle of a road for traffic control or pedestrians.
An island of calm: A peaceful or tranquil spot in a chaotic environment.
An island of stability: A place or situation that remains steady amidst turmoil.
Marooned on an island: Stranded and isolated. (Direct use of the concept)
To be an insular person: To be isolated or detached in thought or experience. (Using a derived adjective, "insular," for similar effect)
Feeling cast adrift: Feeling isolated and without direction, like being alone on an island. (Synonymous feeling)
A secluded retreat: A private, isolated place for rest, similar to a personal island. (Synonymous concept)
Finding one's oasis: Discovering a peaceful or comfortable place, like an island, in a difficult situation. (Metaphorical use of a related concept)
Cut off from the mainland: Isolated from the main group or source. (Similar to being on an island)
Worlds apart: Very different or distant, as if on separate islands. (Implied separation)
An isolated pocket: A small area or group distinct from its surroundings. (Synonymous for a figurative island)
To go off the grid: To live independently and avoid mainstream systems, similar to self-sustaining on an island. (Idiom with a similar theme of isolation)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of island from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
