noun

continent

KON-tih-nuhnt

noun

One of the large landmasses of the Earth, such as Africa, Asia, or Europe.

"Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth."

adj

Able to control one's bladder or bowels.

"The patient became fully continent again after physical therapy."

Exercising self-restraint, especially regarding physical desires.

"The monk led a continent, disciplined life."

How to Use Continent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost commonly a large landmass like Africa or Asia; less commonly, an adjective meaning "able to control one's bladder/bowels" or "self-restrained."

Common mistake

Don't confuse "continent" (self-restrained/able to control bodily functions) with "incontinent" (unable to), which is the far more commonly used of the pair in medical contexts.

Easily confused with

incontinent →

Word Forms

more continent comparative, continents plural, Continents plural, most continent superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Antarctica is the coldest _____ on Earth.

Etymology

From Latin continens, "holding together, unbroken," the present participle of continēre ("to contain, hold together").

Antonyms

incontinent

Related Words

virtuous prudent incontinent

Rhymes for continent

eminent imminent pertinent prominent impertinent incontinent

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