What is mainland? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of mainland

mainlandadjective

đất liền

/ˈmeɪnlənd//ˈmeɪnlənd/

Where does the word mainland come from?

The word "mainland" has an interesting origin story. It's a combination of two Old English words: "mægen" (meaning "strength, power, might") and "lond" (meaning "land"). Initially, "mainland" referred to the "strong land," contrasting with less significant, smaller islands or peninsulas. Over time, it evolved to describe the major landmass of a continent, especially when compared to outlying islands or territories. This usage makes sense, as the mainland is typically the dominant geographical feature of a region.

Vocabulary summary mainland

typenoun

meaningcontinent

Example of vocabulary mainlandnamespace

  • He decided to move to the mainland after living on a small island for five years.
  • The bustling city of Tokyo is located on the mainland of Japan.
  • She took a ferry from the island to the mainland to attend her friend's wedding.
  • The island's economy relies heavily on trade with the mainland.
  • The mainland supplies the island with most of its basic necessities, such as food and water.

Synonyms and related words for mainland

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