noun

subcontinent

subcontinent

India is often called the Indian subcontinent.

India is often called the Indian subcontinent.

((the/a)) subcontinent ((of ...)) a large landmass forming a subdivision of a continent The Indian subcontinent is known for its diversity.

Synonyms: landmass, peninsula

From the prefix 'sub-' (under, below) and 'continent'. It signifies a large landmass that is smaller than a continent.

Think of 'sub-' as in 'submarine' (underwater) or 'subordinate' (lower in rank). A subcontinent is a 'sub-division' of a continent.

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