madagascar
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Proper noun:
- An island in the Indian Ocean: A very large island nation located off the southeastern coast of Africa, known for its unique biodiversity.
- A country: The Republic of Madagascar, a sovereign state comprising the island of Madagascar and several smaller peripheral islands, which gained independence from France in 1960.
Usage Examples
Proper noun (Island):
- Madagascar is home to many species found nowhere else on Earth, like lemurs.
- The island of Madagascar separated from the African continent millions of years ago.
Proper noun (Country):
- Madagascar's capital and largest city is Antananarivo.
- She traveled to Madagascar to study its culture and languages.
Advanced Usage
- "The Madagascar of the ancient world": A metaphorical phrase sometimes used to describe another isolated landmass with unique evolutionary history.
- Scientists sometimes refer to the island continent of Australia as the Madagascar of the ancient world due to its unique fauna.
Variants and Related Words
- Malagasy (adj): Relating to Madagascar, its people, or their language.
- The Malagasy culture is a rich blend of Southeast Asian and African influences.
- Malagasy (n): A person from Madagascar; the Austronesian language spoken by the people of Madagascar.
- He is a Malagasy from the central highlands.
Synonyms
- The Great Red Island: A nickname for Madagascar, often referring to the color of its soil.
- Republic of Madagascar: The official name of the country.
Related Phrases
- Strait of Madagascar: The body of water separating Madagascar from mainland Africa.
- The Mozambique Channel, also called the Strait of Madagascar, is an important shipping route.
Noun
- an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa; the 4th largest island in the world
- a republic on the island of Madagascar; achieved independence from France in 1960