continental
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to one of the large landmasses of the world, like Africa or Asia.
adj.of or relating to a continent or continents in a general geographical sense.
Simple“The movement of continental plates can cause powerful earthquakes over millions of years.”
In context“Scientists studied the continental shelf to better understand the transition between the mainland and the deep ocean floor.”
Synonymsgloballand based - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to the main part of Europe, not including islands like the UK or Ireland.
adj.characteristic of or relating to mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles or other offshore islands.
Simple“We enjoyed a traditional continental breakfast with coffee and croissants at the hotel.”
In context“Many British travellers prefer the continental climate of southern France for their summer holidays.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
adj.relating to the American colonies during the time they fought for independence from Britain.
adj.relating to the thirteen colonies of British North America during the American Revolutionary War period.
Simple“The Continental Congress met to discuss the future of the new nation.”
In context“General Washington led the Continental Army through several harsh winters before securing a final victory.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
n.a person who comes from the main part of Europe.
n.a person living in or coming from mainland Europe.
Simple“The café was a popular meeting spot for locals and Continentals alike.”
In context“As a Continental, he found the British obsession with the weather quite amusing during his first year in London.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.a piece of paper money used in America during the Revolutionary War.
n.a piece of paper scrip issued by the Continental Congress, which lost most of its value by the end of the war.
Simple“By the end of the war, the paper continental was worth almost nothing.”
In context“The phrase 'not worth a continental' became a common American idiom for items of zero value due to the currency's rapid inflation.”
UsageOften used in the idiom 'not worth a continental' to mean something is worthless.
Synonymscurrencyscrip
“Bookshops contacted by the Guardian say they have been receiving orders from buyers in the US, Canada, continental Europe and the UK.”
“Snail-feeding carabid beetles, including Carabus blaptoides, have undergone adaptive radiation on continents and continental islands across the Northern Hemisphere.”