What’s the Plural of Oasis?

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What’s the plural of “oasis”?

An oasis (or oases pl.) are “a fertile spot in a desert, where water is found.” (Merriam-Webster, oasis).

• Oasis is singular.

• The plural of oasis is oases (pronounced o-a-seez).

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Nouns that end in –sis

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Though not invariably, many nouns that end in the suffix -sis to be Greek. Like oasis, analysis, crisis, thesis, synopsis and nemesis are all Greek words, and each likewise each swaps the -is suffix with -es to become a plural,

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Roughly 5% of modern English is comprised of Greek. That’s to say, we all speak a little bit Greek—you probably just never realized it. #TheMoreYouKnow

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Sentences using “oasis” (sing.)

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In geography, an oasis is a fertile land in a desert or semi-desert environment.

Typically, an oasis has a “central pool of open water surrounded by a ring of water-dependent shrubs and trees.

People who live in an oasis must manage land and water use carefully.

He is the one refreshing oasis in the desert wilderness of the Classical school.

—The History of Modern Painting

Now I was filled with the desire to lie here in this “oasis” and live at ease and sniff the clean fragrance of mountain plants.

—Mount Everest, The Reconnaissance Charles Kenneth Howard-Bury

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Sentences using “oases” (pl.)

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Oases also provide habitats for animals and plants.

Oases are made when sources of freshwater, such as underground rivers or aquifers, irrigate the surface naturally or via man-made wells.

Rain showers provide subterranean water to sustain natural oases, such as the Tuat.

Oases often have human histories that are measured in millennia.

There are two types of oases in the world.

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ide temporary oases in deserts, while larger, more permanent oases often support human settlements. The plural form “oases” is used consistently, even though it originates from a Greek word with a seemingly irregular plural. Note the correct spelling – it’s not “oases’s” or “oasises.” Consider the sentence: “Scattered across the vast expanse were several lush oases, each a vibrant contrast to the barren landscape.” This highlights the visual impact of multiple oases.

Synonyms of oasis

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• sanctuary
• haven
• asylum
• sanctum
• retreat  
• hideaway
• resting place

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These synonyms highlight different aspects of an oasis. “Sanctuary” and “asylum” emphasize protection and refuge, while “haven” suggests safety and comfort. “Sanctum” implies a sacred or private space, whereas “retreat” and “hideaway” focus on seclusion. Note the subtle differences; “resting place” is more literal, describing the physical aspect, unlike the more emotive connotations of the others. Careful word choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Origin of the word oasis

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The word oasis came into English from Greek (from Egyptian):

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‍Oasis, from Ancient Greek: ὄασις, óasis, which in turn is a direct borrowing from Demotic Egyptian.

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• What’re personal pronouns?
• What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
• Whose vs who’s?

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Specifically, the Demotic Egyptian word likely represented a plural form, with the singular possibly being something like wḥt. The Greek adopted the plural form, and subsequently, Latin and then English inherited the word in its pluralized state. This explains why “oasis” is often used as both a singular and plural noun, although the use of “oases” as the plural is considered grammatically correct. Note the pronunciation shift; the Greek ‘o’ is closer to the ‘o’ in ‘bone’ than the ‘o’ in ‘oasis’ as we use it today.

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