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Continental Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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continental

[หŒkษ’n.tษชหˆnen.tษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

geography

relating to or characteristic of a continent, in particular, the mainland of Europe, as distinct from the British Isles.

Synonyms

landlocked, mainland.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continental

This refers to something pertaining to the main part of a continent, particularly used in historical or geographical contexts to describe the primary landmass.

  • The continental policies of the 19th century were primarily focused on expansion and trade.
  • Continental Europe has a rich history spanning millennia.
mainland

Used to describe the primary landmass of a region or country as opposed to its islands. Commonly used in contrast when distinguishing between smaller islands and the larger land area.

  • She moved from the Hawaiian islands to the mainland for better job opportunities.
  • The mainland of Greece is known for its ancient history, while its islands are famous for beautiful beaches.
landlocked

Refers to a place, usually a country, that is entirely surrounded by land and does not have direct access to the ocean. Often used in geographical or economic discussions.

  • Being landlocked, the country relies heavily on its neighboring ports for trade.
  • Switzerland is a landlocked nation known for its mountains and neutrality.

Examples of usage

  • continental Europe
  • continental climate
Context #2 | Adjective

cuisine

of or characteristic of the European mainland or a particular European country.

Synonyms

European, traditional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continental

Use this word when referring to something that belongs to or relates to a continent, specifically Europe. It can also be used in a broader sense to describe a style or characteristic typically European.

  • We stayed at a continental hotel during our trip to Paris
  • The restaurant serves a delightful continental breakfast
European

Best used when explicitly referring to people, culture, or things related to the continent of Europe. This term is specific to the region and its diverse countries.

  • European fashion trends often influence the global market
  • They traveled across several European countries last summer
traditional

This word is ideal when describing customs, practices, or objects that are long-established and handed down from generation to generation. It often implies a sense of history and cultural significance.

  • They celebrated the wedding with traditional ceremonies
  • Traditional music filled the air during the festival

Examples of usage

  • continental breakfast
  • continental cuisine
Context #3 | Noun

automotive

a tire for motor vehicles having a continuous circular tread.

Synonyms

rubber, tire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continental

Also used to describe a type of breakfast that includes lighter items like pastries, fruit, and coffee, typically offered in European hotels.

  • The hotel provided a continental breakfast with croissants, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
  • He prefers a hearty meal, so the continental breakfast wasn't enough for him.
tire

Commonly used to describe a ring-shaped component, usually made of rubber, that surrounds a wheel to provide traction and support. Typically used in automotive or transportation contexts.

  • Make sure to check the tire pressure before going on a long drive.
  • He had to replace his flat tire on the side of the road.
rubber

Referred to as a material, typically used in manufacturing, that comes from the latex of rubber trees or made synthetically. Often used in industrial or daily life contexts to describe items made of this material.

  • The tires are made of a high-quality rubber to ensure longevity.
  • She wore rubber gloves while cleaning to protect her hands.

Examples of usage

  • The car was equipped with Continental tires.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Earth has seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia.
  • Continents can vary greatly in size, with Asia being the largest and Australia the smallest.
  • Continents are often identified by their unique climates and ecosystems, which make them diverse in flora and fauna.

History

  • The concept of continents shaped exploration and trade routes in history, influencing colonization patterns.
  • In the Age of Enlightenment, the idea of continentalism arose, advocating unity among regions sharing geographical and cultural similarities.

Climate

  • Continental climates, characterized by large temperature variations between summer and winter, are found in many regions far from oceans.
  • The term is often used in meteorology to describe areas where maritime influences are minimal.

Pop Culture

  • The term is often used in travel and tourism to highlight different regions, such as 'continental cuisine' referring to European dishes.
  • Movies and literature frequently explore the cultural intersections found on different continents, showcasing diverse perspectives.

Origin of 'continental'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'continental' is derived from the Latin word 'continentem', meaning 'to hold together', referring to large land masses.
  • It began to be widely used in English in the late 17th century to describe things related to landmasses or countries.

The word 'continental' originated from the Latin word 'continentalis', which means 'belonging to a continent'. It was first recorded in English in the mid-16th century. The term has been widely used to refer to things related to continents, especially in the context of geography and cuisine.

See also: continent.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,424 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.