While thinking about the question raised in the "water" theme, another question popped into my mind.

What's the different between marine (as an adjective) and maritime? Is there any difference?

From my experience, marine is used to describe wildlife, and maritime is used to describe shipping.

Quote: "From my experience"

With Illinois so far from any seacoast, how much experience could ya have? <kidding>

We have the lake, and I've been sailing quite a few times. But of course I meant my "linguistic experience", which you already knew.

I think the US Marine Corps and the Royal Marines would object to being called 'wildlife'!(Maybe not though!) I would suggest 'marine' refers to waterborne activities including wildlife whereas 'maritime' refers to ships and shipbuilding, boats and associated activities.

To Seanahan: wordnerd is just being nautical, instead of niceical.

You're right Erik, the Marine Corps and Royal Marines poke a hole in my theory.

In general, I would say marine refers to military, and maritime refers to civilian shipping. Of course, I'm sure Erik has many counterexamples for me.

quote:

I would say marine refers to military

Over here, we talk about the "merchant marine" when referring to civilian shipping. However, the town where I live, Greenwich, has the National Maritime Museum, which mostly covers civilian shipping...