English word continent comes from Latin teneo, Latin con-

You can also see our other etymologies for the English word continent. Currently you are viewing the etymology of continent with the meaning: (Noun) (obsolete) Land (as opposed to the water).. (obsolete, _, in general sense) A large contiguous landmass considered independent of its islands, peninsulas etc. Specifically, the Old World [...](obsolete) Land (as opposed to the water).. (obsolete, _, in general sense) A large contiguous landmass considered independent of its islands, peninsulas etc. Specifically, the Old World [...]

Detailed word origin of continent

Dictionary entry	Language	Definition
teneo	Latin (lat)	(of laws) I am binding on; bind, hold, obligate. (reflexive) I keep back, remain, stay, hold position. I comprise, contain, include, hold. I hold fast, restrain, detain, check, control; bind, fetter. I hold, have; grasp. I insist, uphold. I know, grasp, understand, conceive. I possess, occupy, control. I reach, attain; gain, acquire, obtain. I recollect, retain knowledge of, remember, bear [...]
con-	Latin (lat)	Used in compounds to indicate a being or bringing together of several objects. Used in compounds to indicate the completeness, perfecting of any act, and thus gives intensity to the signification of the simple word.
contineo	Latin (lat)	(of places) I enclose, bound, limit; comprise.. I check, curb, stop, tame, subdue.. I comprise, involve, contain.. I detain, restrain, repress, enclose.. I hold or keep together/close, surround, contain; connect.
continentem	Latin (lat)
continent	English (eng)	(obsolete) Land (as opposed to the water).. (obsolete, _, in general sense) A large contiguous landmass considered independent of its islands, peninsulas etc. Specifically, the Old World continent of Europe–Asia–Africa. See the Continent.. Each of the main continuous land-masses on the earth's surface, now generally regarded as seven in number, including their related islands, continental [...]

Words with the same origin as continent