continent
UK: ˈkɒntɪnənt | US: ˈkɑːntɪnənt
n. one of the Earth's large landmasses (e.g., Africa, Asia)
n. (often "the Continent") mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles
adj. exercising self-restraint, especially in sexual desires
continent = con<together> + tin<hold> + ent<adjective/noun suffix>
- con<together>: From Latin con-, meaning "with" or "together."
- tin<hold>: From Latin tenere, meaning "to hold."
- ent<adjective/noun suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives or nouns, indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word "continent" originates from Latin continēns (present participle of continēre, "to hold together"), reflecting the idea of landmasses "held together" as cohesive units. The adjective sense ("self-restrained") derives from the same root, metaphorically implying "holding oneself together" in discipline. Over time, the geographic meaning became dominant, while the older sense of restraint persists in formal contexts.
Africa is the second-largest continent by land area.
Many Britons travel to the Continent for summer vacations.
Monks are expected to live a continent life.
The continent of Antarctica is covered in ice.
His continent demeanor impressed the judges.