What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fastland
Example
The Eurasian fastland is the largest contiguous landmass on Earth. [fastland: noun]
Example
The fastland of North America includes Canada, the United States, and Mexico. [fastland: noun]
mainland
Example
The mainland of Greece is connected to the Peloponnese peninsula by a bridge. [mainland: noun]
Example
The hurricane caused severe damage to the mainland of Florida. [mainland: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mainland is more commonly used than fastland in everyday language, especially in English-speaking countries. Mainland is a more general term that covers a wide range of contexts, while fastland is less common and may be used in more technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fastland and mainland?
Both fastland and mainland are relatively formal words that are appropriate for academic, scientific, or technical writing. However, mainland is more versatile and can also be used in informal or everyday contexts.