africa

word

/ˈæfɝkə/, /ˈæfɹəkɑ/, /ˈæfɹɪkə/
AF-ri-kuh
/ˈæfrɪkə/
AF-ri-kuh

Definition

Africa is one of the world's seven continents. It is south of Europe and includes many countries, cultures, languages, and landscapes.

Usage & Nuances

Usually used without 'the': 'Africa is large,' not 'the Africa.' Use it as a proper noun, so it is normally capitalized. Be careful not to talk about Africa as if it were one country; common collocations include 'North Africa,' 'West Africa,' and 'sub-Saharan Africa.'

Example Sentences

Africa is a very large continent.

basic

My teacher showed us a map of Africa.

basic

Lions live in parts of Africa.

basic

She spent a year traveling around Africa after college.

natural

When people talk about Africa as one place, they miss how diverse it is.

natural

He wants to do more research on climate change in Africa.

natural