Dhivehi

[ dih-vey-hee ]

noun

1. an Indic language that is the official language of the Maldives and is also spoken on Minicoy Island.
2. a member of the ethnic group speaking Dhivehi and residing mainly in the Maldives.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Dhivehi or their language.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dhivehi¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from Dhivehi Dhivehi, Divehi, a self-designation perhaps meaning “(language of) island dwellers”; possibly from Sanskrit dvipa “island” and vāsin “dweller, inhabitant”

Example Sentences

“We may be small but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us,” Muizzu concluded in English, having made his statement in the native Dhivehi language.

From Seattle Times

Breaking News: Qanoonaa khilaafah Siirufenfushee ga bahattaafaivaa budhu thah Dhivehi Raajje ge salaamathee baaruthakun nagafi.

From The Guardian

Mekunu, which means “mullet” in Dhivehi, the language spoken in the Maldives, is on track to potentially be the same strength as a Category 2 hurricane at landfall.

From Washington Times

The resort’s food and beverage manager officiated at the ceremony, but instead of blessing their union, he secretly slandered them as “swine” and “infidel pigs” in Dhivehi.

From New York Times

After handing us our life jackets, an attendant proudly told us that in Dhivehi, the Maldives’ native language, Huvafen Fushi meant Dream Island.

From New York Times