divehi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Academic
Quick answer
What does “divehi” mean?
The official and most widely spoken language of the Maldives.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The official and most widely spoken language of the Maldives.
Refers to the Maldivian language (also historically spelled Dhivehi), its speakers, or things pertaining to it. Also the name of the standardized written form of the language.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. British sources may show a slightly higher frequency due to historical colonial ties to the region.
Connotations
Neutral, technical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties, limited to specialized texts.
Grammar
How to Use “divehi” in a Sentence
[Language] Divehi is spoken in [Location].[Person/Institution] studies/teaches Divehi.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divehi” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Divehi script is unique.
American English
- Divehi linguistics is her field.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; may appear in localization or translation services for the Maldives market.
Academic
Used in linguistics, anthropology, and South Asian studies departments.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of specific communities.
Technical
Standard term in linguistic classifications (Indo-Aryan branch).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divehi”
- Misspelling as 'Diveehi', 'Divehi' (uncapitalised).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a divehi').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. 'Dhivehi' is a common transliteration that reflects the native pronunciation more closely, while 'Divehi' is also a standard English spelling.
Primarily in the Maldives, and by Maldivian diaspora communities.
It is written in the Thaana script, which is written from right to left.
Yes, both Sinhala (of Sri Lanka) and Divehi are Indo-Aryan languages and share a common ancestor, making them distantly related.
The official and most widely spoken language of the Maldives.
Divehi is usually formal / academic in register.
Divehi: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈveɪhiː/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈveɪhi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Dive' into the 'hi'story of the Maldives = Divehi.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A KEY (to Maldivian culture).
Practice
Quiz
What language family does Divehi belong to?