isle

An isle is a landmass that is surrounded by water. In common usage, isle and island are largely interchangeable, but isle is more frequently found in British English and in historical, literary, or toponymic contexts. The term often carries a connotation of poetic charm or smaller scale, and it appears in many place names such as the Isle of Man and the Isle of Wight.

Etymology traces isle to Old French isle, which comes from Latin insula. The spelling preserves a historical pronunciation that differs from the modern word island in some languages, but both forms identify a land area separated from a larger mainland by water.

Isles form through a variety of geological processes, including tectonic activity, volcanic activity, sedimentation, and changes in sea level. They vary greatly in size and topography, from tiny gravel banks to substantial landmasses that support cities or ecosystems. The surrounding sea shapes climate, weather exposure, and nutrient exchange, influencing coastal habitats.

Ecologically, isles can host distinctive communities due to isolation. Endemic species and unique ecological relationships may develop, while human activity can alter habitats through settlement, resource use, and infrastructure. Some isles remain remote and sparsely populated; others are densely inhabited and economically integrated with larger regions.

Human involvement with isles ranges from governance and sovereignty to tourism, fishing, and conservation. Numerous isles are culturally significant, featuring in literature, folklore, and national identity. Examples include widely known isles such as the Isle of Man, the Isle of Wight, and the Isle of Skye, among many others worldwide.