The word "continental" is spelled as /ˌkɒntɪˈnɛntəl/. The first syllable is 'con' pronounced as /kɒn/ and the second syllable is pronounced as /tɪ/. The third syllable is 'nen' pronounced as /nɛn/. The fourth syllable is 'tal' pronounced as /təl/. The word "continental" refers to something related to a continent or the mainland. This word can also be used to describe a breakfast consisting of bread, jam, butter, coffee, and juice which is commonly served in European hotels.
Continental is an adjective that describes something related to, existing on, or characteristic of a continent. It pertains to the vast landmasses that form the Earth's surface, as opposed to islands or other smaller landforms. The term is typically used to differentiate between different geographical formations like continental shelves, continental drift, or continental climate.
In terms of political or historical contexts, continental often refers to a region or group of countries that are situated on the same landmass and have shared historical, cultural, or political ties. For example, the European continent is composed of various countries with interconnected histories and shared values, and the term continental Europe is frequently used to differentiate it from the United Kingdom and other islands in Europe.
Continental can also denote a type of cuisine or culinary style primarily associated with a specific region. Continental cuisine refers to the traditions, flavors, and cooking methods typically found in European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain. It is often characterized by an emphasis on fresh and high-quality ingredients, intricate culinary techniques, and a wide range of flavors.
Overall, the term continental encompasses a wide range of meanings depending on the context, including geographic, political, historical, and culinary aspects.
Pert. to a continent; pert. to the countries of the mainland of Europe.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "continental" comes from the Latin word "continentalis", which is derived from "continentem". In Latin, "continentem" means "that which contains", and it is the present participle of the verb "continere" which means "to hold together". The English term "continental" emerged around the early 17th century and was initially used to describe things related to mainland Europe or the continent of Europe, in contrast to the British Isles.