Continent

Definition

Continent is a noun that refers to one of the main landmasses of the Earth, typically separated by oceans. The Earth’s continents are generally considered to be Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania (Australia), and South America.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːntənənt/
• Respelling: KON-tuh-nuhnt

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɒntɪnənt/
• Respelling: KON-ti-nuhnt

The pronunciation of "continent" differs slightly between American and British English, primarily in the vowel sounds of the first syllable.

Etymology

The word "continent" originates from the Latin "continentem," meaning "holding together" or "continuous land." It is derived from "continere," which means "to hold together" (from "con-" meaning "together" and "tenere" meaning "to hold"). The word entered the English language in the late Middle Ages to describe large, continuous landmasses.

Derivatives

• Continental (adjective)
• Intercontinental (adjective)
• Subcontinent (noun)
• Transcontinental (adjective)
• Continently (adverb - rare)

Synonyms

• Landmass
• Mainland
• Territory

Antonyms

• Island
• Archipelago
• None

Usage

The term "continent" is used to refer to large, continuous expanses of land on Earth. For example, "Africa is the second-largest continent" or "Europe and Asia are sometimes considered one large continent known as Eurasia."

Related Terms

• Hemisphere: Half of the Earth, divided by the equator or a meridian.
• Plate tectonics: A scientific theory explaining the movement of the Earth's lithosphere.
• Geography: The study of Earth's physical features, including continents.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A large, continuous landmass on Earth: Refers to one of the major landmasses separated by oceans.
  • Example: "Asia is the largest continent by land area."
• A collective term for all major landmasses: Used to refer to all the main continents as a group.
  • Example: "The study of climates varies greatly across different continents."