continental
continental Lexical Profile
continental Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Forming or belonging to a continent, especially in contrast to outlying islands.
"The airline expanded its route network across the entire continental United States."
Relating to or characteristic of the mainland of Europe, as distinct from the British Isles.
"The hotel includes a complimentary continental breakfast of fresh pastries, fruit, and coffee."
American Relating to the American colonies during and immediately after the American Revolutionary War.
"The Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia to coordinate the colonial war effort."
• noun
An inhabitant of the mainland of Europe.
"Many British travelers in the nineteenth century viewed continentals as having more relaxed social customs."
American A soldier in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, or a piece of paper currency issued by the Continental Congress.
"Rapid inflation rendered the paper continental nearly worthless by the end of the war."
• Rhymes for continental
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the noun 'continent' (from Latin terra continens, meaning 'continuous land') combined with the adjectival suffix '-al'. In the 1770s, American colonists adopted the term to describe the unified colonies and their institutions, such as the Continental Congress and Continental Army.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.