continuous

American  

[kuhn-tin-yoo-uhs] / kənˈtɪn yu əs /

adjective

1. uninterrupted in time; without cessation.

   continuous coughing during the concert.

2. being in immediate connection or spatial relationship.

   a continuous series of blasts; a continuous row of warehouses.

3. Grammar. progressive.

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continuous British  

/ kənˈtɪnjʊəs /

adjective

1. prolonged without interruption; unceasing

   a continuous noise

2. in an unbroken series or pattern

3. maths (of a function or curve) changing gradually in value as the variable changes in value. A function f is continuous if at every value a of the independent variable the difference between f( x ) and f( a ) approaches zero as x approaches a Compare discontinuous See also limit

4. statistics (of a variable) having a continuum of possible values so that its distribution requires integration rather than summation to determine its cumulative probability Compare discrete

5. grammar another word for progressive

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continuous Scientific  

/ kən-tĭn′yo̅o̅-əs /

1. Relating to a line or curve that extends without a break or irregularity.

2. A function in which changes, however small, to any x- value result in small changes to the corresponding y- value, without sudden jumps. Technically, a function is continuous at the point c if it meets the following condition: for any positive number ε, however small, there exists a positive number δ such that for all x within the distance δ from c, the value of f (x) will be within the distance ε from f (c). Polynomials, exponential functions, and trigonometric functions are examples of continuous functions.

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Usage

Both continual and continuous can be used to say that something continues without interruption, but only continual can correctly be used to say that something keeps happening repeatedly

Commonly Confused

See continual.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• semicontinuous
  adjective
• uncontinuous
  adjective
• noncontinuousness
  noun
• noncontinuous
  adjective
• quasi-continuous
  adjective
• continuousness
  noun
• continuously
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of continuous

First recorded in 1635–45; from Latin continuus “uninterrupted,” equivalent to contin(ēre) “to hold together, retain” ( con- con- + -tinēre, combining form of tenēre “to hold”; cf. contain) + -uus adjective suffix; cf. -ous, contiguous

Compare meaning

How does continuous compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• contiguous vs. continuous
• continuous vs. discontinuous
• continuous vs. line spectrum

Explanation

The adjective continuous describes something that occurs over space or time without interruption. Some computer fans make a continuous noise — a constant buzz — that can drive you to distraction. Continuous things don’t stop, not even for a coffee break. A continuous sheet of ice has no cracks, a continuous noise never pauses, and a continuous line of railroad is the kind you want if you’re on a train. Continual, on the other hand, is used to describe things that start and stop occasionally. Use continuous for anything that goes on and on.

Example Sentences

And on the fourth, he managed to create a continuous wave.

From BBC • Jun. 7, 2026

The lakefront event will feature live broadcasts of round of 16 and quarterfinal matches in a festival-like atmosphere with DJs, international cuisine, beer gardens, an outdoor movie theater, muralists, games with prizes and continuous entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 7, 2026

Though “a continuous carriage” may begin in one state and end in another, he noted, “much of the journey” can take place “within the limits of a single state,” like Brock’s last-mile deliveries here.

From Slate • Jun. 3, 2026

“Perpetual futures facilitate continuous speculation and potentially overtrading, rapid losses and financial harm.”

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

News from home about the continuous antiwar protests didn’t help company morale.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

Related Words

• continued
• endless
• extended
• regular
• repeated
• stable
• steady
• unbroken
• unceasing
• uninterrupted