insular
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
From Latin insularis (“of or belonging to an island”), from insula (“an island”), perhaps, from in (“in”) + salum (“the main sea”).
[edit] Adjective
insular (comparative more insular, superlative most insular)
- Of, pertaining to, being, or resembling an island or islands.
- 1836, Washington Irving, Astoria, ch. 6:
- With these he held undisputed sway over his insular domains, and carried on intercourse with the chiefs or governors whom he had placed in command of the several islands.
- 1836, Washington Irving, Astoria, ch. 6:
- Situated on an island.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, ch. 1:
- There now is your insular city of the Manhattoes, belted round by wharves as Indian isles by coral reefs.
- 1851, Herman Melville, Moby-Dick, ch. 1:
- Separate or isolated from the surroundings; having little interaction with external parties; provincial.
- 1903, Jack London, Call of the Wild, ch. 1:
- [H]e had a fine pride in himself, was even a trifle egotistical, as country gentlemen sometimes become because of their insular situation.
- 1903, Jack London, Call of the Wild, ch. 1:
- Having an inward-looking, standoffish, or withdrawn manner.
- 1905, E. M. Forster, Where Angels Fear to Tread, ch. 6:
- Harriet was fretful and insular. Miss Abbott was pleasant, and insisted on praising everything.
- 1905, E. M. Forster, Where Angels Fear to Tread, ch. 6:
[edit] Related terms
Terms etymologically related to insular
[edit] Translations
of, pertaining to, or resembling an island or islands
separate or isolated from the surroundings
having an inward-looking manner
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[edit] External links
- insular at OneLook Dictionary Search
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Spanish
[edit] Adjective
insular m. and f. (plural insulares)
- insular
[edit] Noun
insular m. and f. (plural insulares)
