makassar strait
C2Technical/Geographical/Academic
Definition
Meaning
A major sea passage in Indonesia, separating the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi.
A strategically important and historically significant maritime corridor, part of a primary shipping route connecting the Java Sea to the Celebes Sea and the broader Pacific Ocean.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun referring to a specific geographical feature. It is often used in contexts of maritime trade, naval strategy, oceanography, and regional history. While 'strait' is the common noun, 'Makassar Strait' functions as a single, fixed-name entity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both varieties use the same name. Pronunciation may show minor variation in vowel quality and stress.
Connotations
Neutral geographical term. Connotations are tied to its contexts: trade, piracy history, naval power, or biodiversity.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, appearing primarily in specialized contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Ships/Convoys] + [transit/cross/sail through] + the Makassar StraitThe Makassar Strait + [separates] + [Borneo] + [from] + [Sulawesi][A battle/incident] + [occurred/took place] + in the Makassar StraitVocabulary
Synonyms
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in shipping, logistics, and trade reports: 'The bulk carrier diverted its route through the Makassar Strait to avoid congestion.'
Academic
Used in geography, history, and environmental studies: 'Sediment cores from the Makassar Strait reveal historical climate patterns.'
Everyday
Rare. Might appear in travel documentaries or news about regional events: 'Our cruise will take us through the scenic Makassar Strait.'
Technical
Used in naval, hydrographic, and meteorological contexts: 'The throughflow velocity in the Makassar Strait is a critical component of the Indonesian Throughflow.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Makassar Strait route is favoured by deeper-draft vessels.
American English
- The Makassar Strait region is rich in marine biodiversity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the map. The Makassar Strait is between two islands.
- Many large ships travel through the Makassar Strait every day.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a massive car ferry (Maka-ssar) sailing through a straight (strait) line between two large islands. 'Makassar' is the old spelling of a major port city (Makassar) on Sulawesi.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIQUID HIGHWAY or MARITIME ARTERY; a CORRIDOR OF COMMERCE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'strait' as 'проливной' (which is an adjective). The correct translation is 'пролив Маккасар'.
- Be careful not to confuse 'strait' with 'straight' (прямой).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Makassar Straight' (using 'straight' instead of 'strait').
- Incorrect capitalisation: writing 'Makassar strait'.
- Misidentifying its location (e.g., confusing it with the Malacca Strait).
Practice
Quiz
The Makassar Strait is primarily significant for:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard singular form is 'Makassar Strait'. 'Straits' is occasionally seen but 'Strait' is correct for this single, named passage.
The Malacca Strait is between Malaysia and Sumatra, is shallower and one of the world's busiest shipping lanes. The Makassar Strait is between Borneo and Sulawesi, is deeper, and is a key route for very large vessels and for major ocean currents.
'Macassar' is an older, alternative spelling for the city of Makassar. While 'Makassar' is now the standard modern Indonesian spelling and more common, 'Macassar Strait' can still be found in historical texts and some older maps.
No. It is a proper noun, the official name of a specific geographical feature. The common noun is 'strait'. You would say 'a strait like the Makassar Strait', not 'a makassar strait'.