Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The continent comprising the westernmost part of Eurasia: "Europe" refers to the second smallest continent, which is geographically a large peninsula of the Eurasian landmass.
   • The collective nations and peoples of this continent: "Europe" can denote the countries and their populations as a collective political or cultural entity.
   • A supranational political and economic union: In modern contexts, "Europe" is often used informally to refer to the European Union (EU).

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun (Geographical):
  • The Alps are a major mountain range in Europe.
  • He traveled across Europe by train last summer.
• Proper noun (Political/Cultural Collective):
  • The history of Europe is complex and fascinating.
  • Policies that affect all of Europe were discussed at the summit.
• Proper noun (Referring to the EU):
  • The new trade agreement was negotiated between Britain and Europe. (Informal for the EU)

Advanced Usage

• "Fortress Europe": A term, sometimes critical, referring to policies aimed at controlling immigration into the European Union.
  • Critics argue that "Fortress Europe" undermines humanitarian principles.
• "Continental Europe": Often used, particularly in British English, to refer to the mainland of Europe excluding the British Isles and sometimes other islands.
  • The weather system is moving in from Continental Europe.

Variants and Related Words

• European (adj): Of or relating to Europe or its peoples, languages, or cultures.
  • European history; European languages.
• European (n): A native or inhabitant of Europe.
  • He is a European living in Asia.
• Euro- (prefix): A combining form relating to Europe, especially the European Union.
  • Eurozone; Eurocrat.

Synonyms

• The Continent: (Chiefly British) Mainland Europe as distinct from the British Isles.
• The Old World: A historical term for Europe, Asia, and Africa, but often used poetically for Europe.

Related Phrases

• In Europe: Located within the geographical or political boundaries of Europe.
  • She lives and works in Europe.
• Across Europe: Throughout many or all parts of the European continent.
  • The festival is celebrated across Europe.

Related Idioms

• "When in Rome, do as the Romans do": This proverb, while not containing the word "Europe," is of European (Roman) origin and advises adapting to the local customs of the place you are in, which is common advice for travelers in Europe's diverse cultures.

Noun

1. the nations of the European continent collectively
   • the Marshall Plan helped Europe recover from World War II
2. an international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members
   • he tried to take Britain into the Europen Union
3. the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use `Europe' to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles