lesser antilles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Geographical, Technical (geography/tourism)
Quick answer
What does “lesser antilles” mean?
An island arc archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, forming the eastern boundary of the Caribbean region. They are a subgroup of the Antilles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An island arc archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, forming the eastern boundary of the Caribbean region. They are a subgroup of the Antilles.
A geographical and political designation for a chain of smaller islands in the Caribbean, often contrasted with the larger islands of the Greater Antilles. The grouping includes the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles (or ABC islands).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the core term. In British historical/colonial contexts, specific island names (e.g., St. Lucia, Grenada) might be more frequent. American usage may appear more in geographical, tourist, or meteorological (hurricane tracking) contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of a tropical, archipelagic region. May evoke images of tourism, colonial history, or biodiversity.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday conversation in both varieties, but standard in geographical, historical, and travel-related discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “lesser antilles” in a Sentence
[be] in the Lesser Antilles[extend] through the Lesser Antilles[divide] into the Greater and Lesser AntillesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lesser antilles” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The flight path traverses the Lesser Antilles.
American English
- The storm system is impacting the Lesser Antilles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In tourism and travel industry reports: 'Investment in luxury resorts across the Lesser Antilles has increased.'
Academic
In geography or history texts: 'The volcanic arc of the Lesser Antilles marks the convergent boundary of the Caribbean and Atlantic plates.'
Everyday
In travel planning: 'We're considering a cruise that stops at several islands in the Lesser Antilles.'
Technical
In meteorology: 'The hurricane is forecast to move into the central Lesser Antilles by Wednesday.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lesser antilles”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lesser antilles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lesser antilles”
- Writing 'lesser Antilles' without capitalisation.
- Confusing them with the Greater Antilles.
- Using 'Antilles' alone when specificity is needed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Plural. It refers to a group of islands. Use plural verbs: 'The Lesser Antilles are known for...'
The West Indies is a broader historical term encompassing all islands of the Caribbean, including both the Greater and Lesser Antilles, as well as the Bahamas. The Lesser Antilles are a specific subgroup within the West Indies.
The large islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico are part of the Greater Antilles, not the Lesser Antilles.
The term 'Lesser' refers to the smaller land area of these islands compared to the larger 'Greater' Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica, etc.). It is a comparative geographical label, not a value judgment.
An island arc archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, forming the eastern boundary of the Caribbean region. They are a subgroup of the Antilles.
Lesser antilles is usually formal, geographical, technical (geography/tourism) in register.
Lesser antilles: in British English it is pronounced /ˌlesər ænˈtɪliːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌlesər ænˈtɪliz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'LESS-er' Antilles for the LESSER (smaller) islands, as opposed to the GREATER (larger) Antilles like Cuba and Jamaica.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHAIN OF ISLANDS (suggesting connection and sequence).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the Lesser Antilles?