continental
/ˌkɒntɪˈnentl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːntɪˈnentl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkän-tə-ˈnen-tᵊl/ (ame, mw) · /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnen.təl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkɑːn.t̬ənˈen.t̬əl/ (ame, ipa)
continental — adjective
1. relating to the large land masses on Earth, such as Asia or Africa
relating to the large land masses on Earth, such as Asia or Africa
The theory of continental drift was first proposed by Alfred Wegener.
continental drift is a fixed scientific term
Scientists study the movement of continental plates in geology class.
continental plates is a geology collocation
The Andes mountain range runs along the edge of the continental crust.
Continental climates often have drier air than coastal regions.
- global
broader; refers to the whole world, not just land masses
- terrestrial
more scientific; relates to land as opposed to water or air
- oceanic
relating to the ocean rather than land
用法筆記
Commonly paired with scientific terms: continental drift, continental shelf, continental crust, continental plate.
2. associated with the European land mass, apart from Great Britain and the island
associated with the European land mass, apart from Great Britain and the island of Ireland
Lan booked a train to explore continental Europe during her break.
continental Europe is a fixed geographical label
The hotel served a continental breakfast with fresh bread and jam.
continental breakfast is a common food phrase
Cyrus prefers the continental lifestyle with its relaxed evening meals.
Many young Britons move to continental cities like Berlin or Barcelona.
- European
broader; includes Britain and Ireland unless context specifies otherwise
- mainland European
more explicit; avoids any ambiguity about including the British Isles
- British
specifically relating to Great Britain, as opposed to the European mainland
用法筆記
Frequently used in British English when contrasting the UK with the rest of Europe. Common in travel contexts: continental holiday, continental cuisine.
常見錯誤
3. describing the main land area of a continent, as opposed to islands or overseas
describing the main land area of a continent, as opposed to islands or overseas territories
Hugo drove across the continental United States last summer.
continental United States is a territorial label
The airline flies to cities in the continental part of Alaska.
The company ships goods from Hawaii to continental warehouses in California.
During the war troops were stationed on both the islands and the continental mainland.
- mainland
more general term; can apply to any region's principal land area
- contiguous
refers specifically to the 48 connected US states, more precise for US context
用法筆記
In American English, 'continental United States' commonly refers to the 48 contiguous states plus Washington, D.C., excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
continental — noun
1. a person from mainland Europe, rather than from Britain or the island of Ireland
a person from mainland Europe, rather than from Britain or the island of Ireland
Kasia is a continental who moved to London from Germany.
The continentals at the meeting disagreed with the British team.
continentals contrasted with British
The hostel owner, a friendly continental, gave us tips about Paris.
Christopher felt like a true continental after living in Vienna for years.
- European
neutral and more common; does not specifically exclude British or Irish people
用法筆記
Typically used by British or Irish speakers when distinguishing people from mainland Europe. Can feel slightly old-fashioned or informal in modern usage; 'European' is the more neutral alternative.