europe
/ˈjʊərəp/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈjʊrəp/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈyu̇r-əp/ (ame, mw)
europe — noun
1. one of the seven continents of the world, located between the Atlantic Ocean on
one of the seven continents of the world, located between the Atlantic Ocean on its western side and Asia on its eastern side
Omar has visited more than twelve countries across Europe this year alone.
collocation: across Europe
Eastern Europe has many historic cities that attract millions of visitors each year.
collocation: Eastern/Western/Northern/Southern Europe
The company opened new branches in Northern and Southern Europe last year.
Wine from Southern Europe is known for its rich flavours and long history.
Many families in Europe prefer to spend summer holidays near the Mediterranean coast.
用法筆記
Always capitalised as a proper noun. When used with directional labels (Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern), no article is needed: 'in Southern Europe' (not 'in the Southern Europe').
常見錯誤
2. the group of European countries that work together on trade, laws, and travel, k
the group of European countries that work together on trade, laws, and travel, known formally as the European Union
Products made in Europe must meet strict safety rules set by the EU.
collocation: made in Europe
Citizens of Europe can travel freely between most EU countries without a visa.
Jisoo's company exports electronics to Europe under the new trade agreement.
New environmental rules across Europe require factories to reduce carbon emissions.
Farmers in Europe receive financial support through the EU's agricultural program.
- European Union
the full formal name; more precise in legal or political writing
- EU
abbreviation; common in news and business contexts
用法筆記
In this sense, 'Europe' is used as a shorthand for the European Union. The context (trade, laws, regulations, the EU) signals this meaning rather than the geographic continent.
常見錯誤
3. the countries of Europe other than the United Kingdom, used especially when disc
the countries of Europe other than the United Kingdom, used especially when discussing travel, business, or politics after Brexit
After Brexit, trade between the UK and mainland Europe became more complicated.
collocation: mainland Europe (post-Brexit)
The train from London to mainland Europe now requires additional customs checks.
Many British students choose to study at universities in mainland Europe.
Shipping goods to mainland Europe takes longer since the new trade rules began.
Léa moved from London to mainland Europe to start a new job in Berlin.
- mainland Europe
the most common expression; emphasises the contrast with island-based UK
- continental Europe
more formal; also used in geographic contexts excluding the British Isles
用法筆記
Commonly paired with 'mainland' ('mainland Europe') to draw a clear contrast with the UK. This sense gained frequent use after the 2016 Brexit referendum. It refers to a political and administrative boundary, not a geographic one — geographically, the UK is part of the European continent.
europe — geographical name
1. the world's second-smallest continent, found mainly in the globe's upper half an
the world's second-smallest continent, found mainly in the globe's upper half and right-hand side, with the Atlantic, Arctic, and Mediterranean waters on its borders
Europe is the second-smallest continent but has the highest density of countries.
comparative: second-smallest continent
The continent of Europe stretches from the Atlantic coast to the Ural Mountains in Russia.
collocation: stretches from...to...
Northern Europe has cold, dark winters, while Southern Europe enjoys mild weather year-round.
Geographers divide Europe into regions based on shared language, culture, and history.
Europe covers about two percent of the Earth's surface yet has huge global influence.
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the physical geography of the continent: its size, borders, climate zones, and position on the globe. Distinguish from noun sense 1, which treats Europe as a cultural and political region where people live and travel.
2. the European landmass that does not include the islands of the United Kingdom an
the European landmass that does not include the islands of the United Kingdom and Ireland
Continental Europe refers to the landmass excluding the British Isles and Ireland.
collocation: continental Europe (excluding islands)
Nala drove from France through continental Europe without crossing to the British Isles.
The geography of continental Europe differs from that of the island nations nearby.
High-speed rail networks in continental Europe connect many major cities across borders.
Painters from continental Europe had a strong influence on British art in the 1700s.
- continental Europe
the standard formal term; used in geography and academic writing
- the Continent
chiefly British English, often capitalised; slightly old-fashioned but still common in travel writing
- the British Isles
the island group excluded from this definition
用法筆記
Distinguish from noun sense 3 (EXCLUDING UK): this sense is a purely geographic distinction between the continental landmass and island groups, with no political or post-Brexit connotation. 'Continental Europe' is the standard formal term.