continent
UK[ˈkɒntɪnənt]US[ˈkɑːntɪnənt]
n
One of the main continuous expanses of land on the earth's surface (Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, Antarctica).
n
(often Continent) The mainland of Europe as distinct from the British Isles.
adj
(formal) Exercising self-restraint, especially in sexual desires; able to control one's bladder or bowels.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
tin
ent
con
together
tin
hold
ent
adjective suffix
Etymology
The word "continent" originates from the Latin continent-, the present participle stem of continēre, meaning "to hold together, contain, or enclose". This is formed from con- (together) and tenēre (to hold). Its earliest English use in the 16th century described something that is continuous or connected, leading to its geographical sense for a vast, connected landmass "held together" and distinct from islands. The adjective meaning "exercising self-restraint" developed from the idea of a person "holding themselves together" or "containing" their impulses, a meaning also directly inherited from Latin.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + tin (hold) + ent (adjective suffix)
- con: A Latin prefix meaning "together, with".
- tin: A root from the Latin verb tenēre, meaning "to hold".
- ent: A Latin suffix forming adjectives (and later nouns) meaning "being in a state of" or "one who does".
Examples
The continent of Africa is rich in natural resources and cultural diversity.
After the channel tunnel opened, travel between Britain and the Continent became much easier.
He led a continent life, devoted to his studies and free from excess.