Word: Maltese
Part of Speech: Adjective and Noun
Basic Definition: 1. Adjective: When we say "Maltese," we are referring to anything related to the island of Malta or its people. For example, "Maltese customs" means customs from Malta. 2. Noun: "Maltese" also refers to a breed of small dogs that have long, straight, silky white fur. Additionally, in the United States, "Maltese" can sometimes refer to any short-haired blue-gray cat.
Usage Instructions: - Use "Maltese" as an adjective when talking about things related to Malta, such as culture, people, language, etc. - Use "Maltese" as a noun when referring to the dog breed or the people from Malta.
Examples: 1. Adjective: "I love Maltese cuisine; it has many delicious seafood dishes." 2. Noun (dog): "My friend has a Maltese that loves to play fetch." 3. Noun (people): "The Maltese are known for their warm hospitality."
Advanced Usage: - When discussing languages, you might say, "Maltese is a unique language that incorporates elements from Arabic, Italian, and Spanish." - In a cultural context, you could explain that "Maltese festivals often feature traditional music and dance."
Word Variants: - Maltese (adjective/noun): The form remains the same in both uses. - Maltese (language): Refers specifically to the language spoken in Malta.
Different Meanings: 1. As an adjective: Relating to Malta. 2. As a noun (dog breed): A specific type of toy dog known for its beauty and friendly nature. 3. As a noun (cat): A term used informally in the U.S. for a type of cat, though this usage is less common.