subcontinent
gb/sʌbkˈɑntɪnənt/ us/sʌbkˈɑntɪnənt/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
entity
1
large distinct part of a continent
A subcontinent is a big part of a continent that feels like its own region.
Usage pattern:
a/the subcontinent (of [continent]); [region] is a subcontinent
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use continent when they mean subcontinent (or vice versa); a subcontinent is smaller than a continent and part of one.
Synonyms
landmass (More general; does not imply being part of a larger continent or a distinct region.)
|
region (Much broader; can be any area and not necessarily geographically distinct.)
Antonyms
continent (A larger main landmass category; a subcontinent is typically part of a continent.)
Collocations
the Indian subcontinent
|the South Asian subcontinent
|a separate subcontinent
|a distinct subcontinent
|on the subcontinent
|across the subcontinent
|subcontinent region
|subcontinent climate
|subcontinent history
|subcontinent politics
Themes
geography
|places
|world_regions
Examples
- The Indian subcontinent has a wide range of climates, from deserts to rainforests.
- Geologists describe it as a subcontinent because it has clear natural boundaries.
- The book traces trade routes across the subcontinent over several centuries.
Learner examples
- A subcontinent is smaller than a continent.
- The Indian subcontinent has many languages.
Grammar
Dictionary form
subcontinent
IPA
GB/sʌbkˈɑntɪnənt/
US/sʌbkˈɑntɪnənt/
Syllables & stress
sub - con - tin - ent (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (con)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: subcontinent
- Plural: subcontinents
Expressions
the subcontinent
1/ðə sʌbkˈɑntɪnənt/
fixed phrase
South Asia as a region
“The Subcontinent” is another name for the South Asian region.
Examples
- Her grandparents emigrated from the Subcontinent to Canada in the 1960s.
- The documentary follows cricket fans across the Subcontinent.
- Economic growth in the Subcontinent has accelerated in recent decades.