-dives

English

Etymology

From Prakrit 𑀤𑀻𑀯 (dīva), from Sanskrit द्वीप (dvīpa, “island, peninsula”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /diːvz/, /daɪvz/, /dɪvz/

Suffix

-dives

1. (no longer productive) islands, archipelago.

   Laccadives, Maldives

Usage notes

Terms formed with the -dives suffix are usually followed by definite article the. For example, the Maldives.