Words / B1

MAYNL-and/ˈmeɪnlænd/

The mainland is the main part of a country, not its islands. Island is the contrast; continent is larger. UK news: ferries to the mainland from the Isle of Wight or the Hebrides. Do not write mainland for the high street of the same town.

Meaning

The main part of a country, not its islands.

Examples

• “Ferries to the mainland were cancelled after the gale.”
• “A mainland hospital may be hours away from an island GP.”

Good to know

the mainland. Contrast: an island. Travel / NHS access. Not a synonym for “the country” in every sentence.

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