Isle vs. Island — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Isle refers to a small island or islet, often used poetically. Island is a broader term for a piece of land surrounded by water. Isles are typically smaller than islands.
Difference Between Isle and Island
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Key Differences
Isle: An isle is a poetic or archaic term for a small island. It's often used to convey a sense of charm or quaintness. Example: "They explored the picturesque isle." Island: Island is a more common term for any piece of land completely surrounded by water, regardless of its size. Example: "Hawaii is a famous tropical island."
Isle: It may evoke a romantic or literary image and is less commonly used in everyday language. Island: Island is the standard and widely used term for land masses in geographical contexts.
Isle: Typically smaller and may be found in literature, legends, or tourist destinations. Island: Can refer to landmasses of various sizes, from small islets to large continents.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Small or poetic term for an island
Any piece of land surrounded by water
Common Usage
Less frequent in everyday language
Widely used in geographical contexts
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Size
Typically smaller
Varies from small islets to continents
Literary and Poetic Associations
Often used to convey charm
Used neutrally in scientific contexts
Romantic Imagery
May evoke romantic or literary images
Practical and geographical reference
Compare with Definitions
Isle
An isle denotes a small, enchanting piece of land.
Legends spoke of hidden isles with buried treasure.
Island
An island is a landmass surrounded by water.
The island of Manhattan is known for its skyscrapers.
Isle
An isle is a quaint and poetic term for a small island.
They sailed to a secluded isle for their honeymoon.
Island
An island is a distinct land area with unique ecosystems.
Islands can be hotspots of biodiversity.
Isle
An isle refers to a tiny landmass, usually in picturesque settings.
The artist painted a charming isle with a lone palm tree.
Island
An island is any piece of land in the middle of an ocean or lake.
The island nation has a diverse culture.
Isle
An isle is a poetic description of a little island.
She discovered a serene isle while exploring the coastline.
Island
An island is a landform surrounded by water, ideal for tourism.
The resort is on a beautiful island with white sandy beaches.
Isle
An isle is a diminutive island, often used in literature.
The story featured a mystical isle in the middle of the sea.
Island
An island or isle is any piece of subcontinental land that is surrounded by water. Very small islands such as emergent land features on atolls can be called islets, skerries, cays or keys.
Isle
An island or peninsula, especially a small one
Crusoe's fabled isle
The British Isles
Island
Abbr. Isl. or Is. or I. A landmass, especially one smaller than a continent, entirely surrounded by water.
Isle
An island, especially a small one.
Island
An unattached kitchen counter providing easy access from all sides.
Isle
A (small) island, compare with islet.
Island
A raised curbed area, often used to delineate rows of parking spaces or lanes of traffic.
Isle
See Aisle.
Island
The superstructure of a ship, especially an aircraft carrier.
Isle
An island.
Imperial rule of all the seagirt isles.
Island
(Anatomy) A cluster of cells differing in structure or function from the cells constituting the surrounding tissue.
Isle
A spot within another of a different color, as upon the wings of some insects.
Island
To make into or as if into an island; insulate
A secluded mansion, islanded by shrubbery and fences.
Isle
To cause to become an island, or like an island; to surround or encompass; to island.
Isled in sudden seas of light.
Island
A contiguous area of land, smaller than a continent, totally surrounded by water.
Isle
A small island
Island
(by extension, in place names) A contiguous area of land, smaller than a continent, partially surrounded by water; A peninsula; A half-island.
Despite its name, Barry Island is actually a peninsula
Island
An entity surrounded by other entities that are very different from itself.
An island of colors on a butterfly's wing
Island
A superstructure on an aircraft carrier's deck.
Island
A traffic island.
The island in the middle of a roundabout
Island
(by extension, West Midlands dialect) A roundabout; A traffic circle.
Dunton island, near Birmingham, is one of the most confusingly labelled islands in the U.K.
In Coventry, you will often hear people say: “Turn right at the island”.
Island
A bench, counter, etc., that is not connected to a wall or other furniture and which can be used from any side.
Island
(government) An unincorporated area wholly surrounded by one or more incorporated areas.
Island
(grammar) A phrase from which a wh-word cannot be extracted without yielding invalid grammar.
Island
(transitive) To surround with water; make into an island.
Island
(transitive) To set, dot (as if) with islands.
Island
(transitive) To isolate.
Island
A tract of land surrounded by water, and smaller than a continent. Cf. Continent.
Island
Anything regarded as resembling an island; as, an island of ice.
Island
To cause to become or to resemble an island; to make an island or islands of; to isle.
Island
To furnish with an island or with islands; as, to island the deep.
Island
A land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
Island
A zone or area resembling an island
Island
An island is a geographic feature, from small to large.
The Caribbean is famous for its tropical islands.
Common Curiosities
What does "isle" mean?
Isle is a poetic term for a small island, often used to convey charm or quaintness.
Does "isle" have romantic connotations?
Yes, it may evoke romantic or literary imagery in literary works.
Is "isle" commonly used in everyday conversation?
No, it is less frequent in everyday language and more often found in literature and poetry.
Can you provide an example sentence using "isle"?
Certainly, "They honeymooned on a secluded isle in the Pacific."
What is the definition of "island"?
An island is any piece of land completely surrounded by water, regardless of its size.
Is "isle" associated with small or large land masses?
It is typically associated with smaller land masses.
How commonly is "island" used in everyday language?
"Island" is a widely used term in geographical contexts and everyday conversation.
Is "island" used in scientific contexts?
Yes, it is used in scientific and geographical contexts, such as studying island ecosystems.
Can you provide an example sentence using "island"?
Of course, "Hawaii is a famous tropical island in the Pacific Ocean."
Are islands limited to certain sizes?
No, islands can range from small islets to large continents.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
