What is the mainland? How to use in English

The word "mainland" originates from the Old Norse phrase "mænlønd," which roughly translates to "large land." This term was used by Viking settlers in the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland to distinguish their inhabited land from the smaller surrounding isles. When the phrase entered the English language, it was adapted to "mainland" and began to be used widely to describe the larger, more populated areas adjacent to smaller, less populous islands or archipelagos. This usage can be seen in many parts of the world, from the Isle of Man's relationship with the coast of England to the island states of Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia in relation to the larger continent of Australia. Over time, the meaning of "mainland" has evolved to encompass any region that is connected to a larger land mass by land, as opposed to being separated by water. In this sense, it is often used interchangeably with "continent" or "country" to refer to the primary area of habitation or administration within a given political or geographic context.