Kerala

IPA/kˈɛɹələ/
KK[kˌɛrˈɑlə]IPA/kˌɛrˈɑːlə/

Kerala — noun

1. a state in southwestern India with a long coastline along the Arabian Sea; its c

1.nounA2
Definition

a state in southwestern India with a long coastline along the Arabian Sea; its capital is Thiruvananthapuram, and it is known for its beaches, backwaters, and high level of education.

Example

Kerala is famous for its peaceful backwaters and green coconut trees.

collocation: famous for + [characteristic features]

The tropical climate of Kerala attracts visitors from many different countries.

collocation: attracts + visitors / tourists

Usage Note

Kerala is a proper noun — the name of a specific state. In English it is pronounced /ˈkɛrələ/ (KEH-ruh-luh). It lies on the southwestern coast of India, bordered by Karnataka to the north and Tamil Nadu to the east.

Common Mistakes

I am going to Kerala state.
I am going to Kerala.
Kerala is already the name of a state, so adding 'state' is redundant (though common in Indian English).

Etymology

SanskritMalayalamEnglish

The name Kerala comes from the Malayalam word 'Keralam' (കേരളം). A widely accepted explanation is that it means 'land of the coconut trees', from kera ('coconut tree') and alam ('land' or 'region'). The name first appeared in written records over two thousand years ago.