Continent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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continent

[หˆkษ’ntษชnษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geography

One of the seven large landmasses on the Earth, surrounded by water.

Synonyms

landmass, mainland, mass.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continent

As an alternative meaning, this word can also refer to self-restraint, especially in terms of controlling bodily and sexual urges; however, this usage is less common.

  • He prides himself on being continent with his spending.
  • Her lifestyle is marked by continent habits.
landmass

Ideal for describing a large continuous area of land. It is often used in scientific or geographical discussions to emphasize the physical characteristics of the terrain.

  • The Eurasian landmass encompasses multiple countries.
  • Australia is both a country and a landmass.
mainland

Used to refer to the principal land area of a region, as opposed to its islands. Often used in the context of distinguishing between the larger part of a country and its smaller coastal or offshore islands.

  • They took the ferry to the mainland.
  • Mainland China has different laws than Hong Kong.
mass

This word usually refers to a large amount of something, often without specified boundaries. It is not typically used to describe large bodies of land and can have a negative connotation when referring to chaos or disorder.

  • There was a mass of people at the concert.
  • The mass of paperwork was overwhelming.

Examples of usage

  • The largest continent is Asia.
  • Australia is the smallest continent.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'continent'

The word 'continent' originated from the Latin word 'continentem' which means 'continuous' or 'connected'. In the 14th century, it started to be used to refer to the large landmasses of the Earth. Over time, the concept of continents has evolved as our understanding of geography has advanced.


See also: continental.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,659, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.