tasmania: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal in geographical/political contexts; informal in cultural/ecological references.
Quick answer
What does “tasmania” mean?
An island state of Australia, located south of the mainland, known for its unique wildlife and wilderness.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An island state of Australia, located south of the mainland, known for its unique wildlife and wilderness.
Often used metonymically to refer to the Tasmanian devil (the animal), its wilderness areas, or its historical penal colony past. Can also imply remoteness or isolation in colloquial contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use identically for the place. 'Tassie' is a common Australian/British colloquialism rarely heard in American English.
Connotations
UK: Often associated with history, convict settlements, and unique wildlife like the Tasmanian devil. US: Less immediate recognition; often associated with the cartoon character 'Tasmanian Devil' (Taz).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK/Australian English due to historical/cultural ties. In US English, mention is often specific to geography/tourism or popular culture references.
Grammar
How to Use “tasmania” in a Sentence
[visit/go to/travel to] + Tasmania[be located in/be from] + Tasmania[the island/state/wilderness] + of + TasmaniaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tasmania” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Tasmanian whisky is gaining international acclaim.
- The Tasmanian coastline is rugged and beautiful.
American English
- Tasmanian devil conservation efforts are underway.
- We studied Tasmanian Aboriginal history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism, shipping, or agricultural export contexts (e.g., 'Tasmanian salmon exports').
Academic
Common in geography, environmental studies, history, and biology (e.g., 'the endemic species of Tasmania').
Everyday
In travel plans, discussions about Australia, or references to wildlife/Tasmanian devils.
Technical
In meteorology (e.g., 'Tasman Sea'), ecology, and cartography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tasmania”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tasmania”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tasmania”
- Misspelling as 'Tasmania' (correct), 'Tasmana' (incorrect). Using 'Tasmanian' as the place name (adjective form, e.g., 'Tasmanian wilderness' is correct, but 'I visited Tasmanian' is wrong).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an island state of the Commonwealth of Australia.
Hobart is the capital and most populous city of Tasmania.
They are carnivorous and can be aggressive if threatened, but they are not typically a danger to humans. They are primarily scavengers.
It was a major apple-producing region for many years, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
An island state of Australia, located south of the mainland, known for its unique wildlife and wilderness.
Tasmania is usually neutral to formal in geographical/political contexts; informal in cultural/ecological references. in register.
Tasmania: in British English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /tæzˈmeɪ.ni.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As isolated as Tasmania (informal, implying remoteness)”
- “Gone to Tasmania (archaic, humorous for something lost or vanished)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TASmania has a TASmanian devil – both have 'TAS' at the start.
Conceptual Metaphor
ISLAND AS SANCTUARY/PRISON: Tasmania is often conceptualized as a pristine sanctuary for nature or, historically, as a remote penal colony.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Tassie' a common colloquial term for?