adj
Common
continental
kon-tih-NEHNTL
Continental (adj) means relating to a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from Britain. Example: “Many British holidaymakers prefer a continental breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee.”
adj
1
Relating to a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from Britain.
"Many British holidaymakers prefer a continental breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee."
"Her train ticket covers travel across most of the continental rail network."
"They spent the summer touring continental Europe."
"Offshore to the west of the continental margin during the Early Triassic, the Sonoma highlands formed a volcanic island arc, separated from the mainland by a shallow sea that cut through western Nevada and northwestern Utah."
— Chinle Miller, The Tectonic Forces of the Mesozoic (2012)
2
Relating to a large landmass as opposed to nearby islands.
"The continental climate brings hot summers and cold winters far from the sea."
"Continental Europe is linked by rail, unlike the British Isles."
"The continental United States excludes Alaska and Hawaii."
How to use continental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to a continent — in British usage, often specifically meaning "mainland Europe."
Common pairings
continental breakfast
continental Europe
continental shelf
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Word forms
- Plural
- continentals
- Comparative
- more continental
- Superlative
- most continental
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Many British holidaymakers prefer a _____ breakfast of bread, cheese and coffee.
Etymology
From continent + the adjective-forming suffix -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
intercontinental
antonym(s) of
Related words
Rhymes for continental
mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
elemental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
See all rhymes for continental →
Frequently asked questions
What does “continental” mean?
The word “continental” means relating to a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from Britain. In plain terms, relating to a continent — in British usage, often specifically meaning "mainland Europe.".
How do you pronounce “continental”?
“Continental” is pronounced kon-tih-NEHNTL (/ˌkɑntɪˈnɛntl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “continental” in a sentence?
Here is “continental” used in a sentence: “They spent the summer touring continental Europe.”
What is another word for “continental”?
Words with a similar meaning to “continental” include characteristic of the style of continental Europe'.
What is the opposite of “continental”?
The opposite of “continental” — its antonyms — is antonym(s) of.
What part of speech is “continental”?
“Continental” is an adjective.
Is “continental” a common word?
“Continental” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “continental” have?
“Continental” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from Britain.
What is the difference between a continental breakfast and a full English breakfast?
A continental breakfast is a light, typically cold meal in the style of mainland Europe: bread, pastries, jam, fruit, and coffee or tea. A full English breakfast is a cooked meal, usually featuring items such as eggs, bacon, and sausages. The name "continental" reflects the traditional contrast between mainland Europe and Britain.
Is Britain part of continental Europe?
No. Britain is part of Europe, but "continental Europe" (or "the Continent") refers to the European mainland as distinct from Britain and other islands. That contrast is exactly what the adjective continental captures in British English.
What is the difference between continental and intercontinental?
Continental means relating to a single continent or large landmass, as in a continental climate. Intercontinental means between or connecting two or more continents, as in an intercontinental flight. The prefix inter- supplies the "between" meaning.
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