continental: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, historical, geographical; informal (British, for the breakfast roll).
Quick answer
What does “continental” mean?
relating to or characteristic of a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
relating to or characteristic of a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles.
1. Forming or belonging to a continent. 2. Of or relating to the mainland of Europe, excluding the British Isles. 3. (Often 'Continental') Relating to the independent states of the American colonies during the American Revolution. 4. (Of a climate) typical of the interior of a large landmass, with hot summers and cold winters. 5. (informal, British) A small breakfast roll.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'continental' strongly connotes mainland Europe (e.g., continental cuisine, continental drift). The informal noun 'a continental' means a small breakfast roll. In US English, the term is more often used in geographical ('continental shelf'), climatic ('continental climate'), or historical ('Continental Congress') contexts, with less automatic reference to Europe.
Connotations
UK: Often implies sophistication or difference from British culture when referring to Europe. US: More neutral, descriptive of landmass features or history.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to its use in discussing European relations, travel, and culture. Common in US English in geographical and historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “continental” in a Sentence
adjective + noun (continental climate)preposition 'of' (continental of Asia)be + adjective (is continental in nature)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “continental” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- They prefer a continental lifestyle.
- The hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast.
- He has a very continental sense of style.
American English
- The continental United States excludes Hawaii and Alaska.
- We studied the Continental Army in history class.
- Minnesota has a harsh continental climate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
E.g., 'The firm is expanding its continental operations.' Refers to business activities in mainland Europe.
Academic
E.g., 'The theory of continental drift revolutionized geology.' Used in earth sciences and European studies.
Everyday
E.g., (UK) 'We took a continental holiday this year.' / (US) 'The Midwest has a continental climate.'
Technical
E.g., 'The continental crust is less dense than oceanic crust.' Used in geology and geography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “continental”
- Using 'continental' to mean 'international' in all contexts.
- Capitalizing it incorrectly (e.g., 'continental Europe' is not usually capped, but 'Continental Congress' is).
- Overusing the European sense in global contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Capitalize only when part of a proper noun (Continental Congress, Continental Airlines) or in some historical contexts. Do not capitalize for general geographical or cultural references (continental breakfast).
A light breakfast typically consisting of coffee, juice, and baked goods like pastries or rolls, as opposed to a full cooked 'English breakfast'. The term originates from the simpler breakfast customs of mainland Europe.
Yes, in the pure geographical sense (e.g., 'the continental landmass of Asia'). However, without qualification, especially in UK context, it defaults to Europe.
It is a term for a small, plain breakfast roll, often served buttered.
relating to or characteristic of a continent, especially mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles.
Continental: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒn.tɪˈnen.təl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːn.t̬əˈnen.t̬əl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not the full continental breakfast (informal, implying something less than complete or lavish)”
- “Go continental (adopt European styles or habits)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CONTINENT-al: think of the AL belonging to a CONTINENT.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANDMASS AS A UNIFIED ENTITY (continental philosophy, continental climate).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'continental' LEAST likely to refer to mainland Europe?