continuity
kon-tuh-NOO-uh-tee
/ˌkɒntɪˈnjuːəti/
The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time.
Often refers to the logical connection between parts of a whole, such as in a story or a business plan.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'continuitas', meaning a connected series. It implies that the 'holding together' is successful.
Word relationships
- consistency: Consistency means being the same; continuity means being connected.
- disruption: Disruption is a break in the flow.
Commonly confused with
- continuation: Continuation is the act of starting again; continuity is the state of never having stopped.
Word family
- continuous (adjective): Unbroken.
Collocations
- continuity of care
- narrative continuity
- ensure continuity
Example sentences
- "The director hired a continuity editor to ensure the actors' hair looked the same in every shot." Discussing film production.
- "The company has a business continuity plan to keep operations running during a disaster." Business management.
Memory hook
Continuity is like a 'unity' of time. Everything stays as one. A movie script where the clothes don't change between scenes.
When not to use
Not usually used for physical objects (like a continuous rope), but rather for abstract concepts like 'policy' or 'narrative'.
Fun facts
- A 'continuity error' in a movie is when a character's glass is half-full in one shot and empty in the next.
Related words
Explore more words
unbroken, seamless, coherent, successive, Connectivity, duration
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