# continent

/ˈkɑntənənt/ (US) · /kˈɒntɪnənt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/continent
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. large landmass

noun · CEFR A2

one of the seven main areas of land on Earth, such as Africa, Asia, or Europe.

For teachers: one of the Earth's major continuous landmasses, traditionally including Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

- Asia is the largest continent in the world both in size and population.
- Geologists study how tectonic plate movements have shifted the positions of the continents over millions of years.

### 2. mainland Europe

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

the main part of Europe, not including the islands like the UK or Ireland.

For teachers: the mainland of Europe as distinguished from the British Isles.

- Many people from the UK take the ferry to the Continent for their summer holidays.
- The cultural exchange between the British Isles and the Continent has historically been influenced by both trade and conflict.

### 3. bodily control

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

able to control when you go to the toilet.

For teachers: having voluntary control over the bladder and bowels.

- Most children become continent during the day by the age of three.
- The patient remained continent throughout the recovery period, indicating that the nerve damage was not as severe as initially feared.

Usage: Usually used in medical contexts or when discussing child development.

### 4. self-restrained

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

having strong self-control over your feelings or physical desires.

For teachers: exercising self-restraint, particularly in relation to sexual impulses or emotional passions.

- He led a continent life, avoiding the luxuries and parties his friends enjoyed.
- The philosopher argued that a continent mind was essential for achieving true intellectual clarity and moral virtue.

## Examples

- Asia is the largest continent in the world.
- The explorers spent several months traveling across the African continent to study local wildlife.
- Geological evidence suggests that millions of years ago, every continent was joined together in a single massive landmass known as Pangea.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.