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subcontinent

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //sʌbˈkɒntɪnənt//

KK: /sʌbˈkɒntɪnənt/

noun
Definition

A large area of land that is smaller than a continent and is often considered a separate region, like India or the Indian subcontinent.


Example

The Indian subcontinent includes countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that India is part of the subcontinent of South Asia?
Sloth B
Yeah, I've heard that before; it's such a diverse region.
Sloth A
Exactly! It's fascinating how each country has its own culture within the subcontinent.
Sloth B
For sure! I would love to explore more of it someday.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
landmass
region
territory
Antonyms
ocean
island
continent
Root Explanation

Subcontinent → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "continent" (from Latin "continere", meaning to hold together). The word "subcontinent" refers to a large landmass that is smaller than a continent, often situated beneath or part of a larger continental area.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') a larger landmass that 'holds together' ('continere') — that's why a subcontinent is a large area of land that is part of a continent.

Visually Confused Words
uncontinent
continent
contingent
uncontinently
uncontinented
uncontinental
semicontinent
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