Why is Europe known as a continent?

Question

The definition of a continent is that of a very large landmass surrounded by water right? Well when I look at a world map I see that Europe by that definition is a part of the continent of Asia. Why therefore is Europe and Asia separated as two continents..or is there a completely alternate definition on what constitutes a continent?

Answer 1

As europe was named first shouldn't asia be europe!

We are very fussy in europe and demand to be separate from all those horrid asians, i mean just look at the countries in asia, would YOU want anything to do with them? ;-D

Answer 2

All the waters and seas that surround Europe on the south, west, and north have isolated it all the way to the Ural Mountains, the separation point of Europe and Asia.  The size or land mass is not the only determining factor.  Australia, for instance, is an island.  It is also considered a continent of its own.   It is not that big, either, compared to Asia, Africa, North and South America, Antarctica.