Continental (Europe)

From Wikinfo

Continental (Europe) is an adjective used in political or philosophical works to describe things that are characteristic of and peculiar to Europe in contrast to the same word or concept in use in America. The word is used to seperate European meanings from American meanings. The use of the word "continental" is used in the well-educated and sophisticated circles both here in America and in Europe.

For instance, liberalism means something different in Europe than it does in America. To differentiate the two meanings one would say "continental liberalism" as opposed to just "liberalism" of the American context.

One can also use the word "continental" to refer to thinkers and writers in Europe. It can be said in lieu of "European"; such as European thinkers and writers.

For more on the different meanings of the word, please see the disambiguation page for this word: Continental.