continuous
kuhn-TIN-yoo-uhs
/kənˈtɪnjuəs/
Forming an unbroken whole; without interruption in space or time.
Strictly refers to something that does not stop at all. Think of a solid line or a movie that is one long take.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'continuus', which literally means 'hanging together'. It describes things so closely joined that there is no gap between them.
Word relationships
- unbroken: Unbroken is more physical; continuous is more abstract or temporal.
- constant: Constant implies staying the same; continuous implies not stopping.
- intermittent: Intermittent explicitly describes things that stop and start.
- broken: Broken implies a failure in the line or flow.
Commonly confused with
- continual: Continuous means 'without stopping'; continual means 'happening many times with short breaks'.
Word family
- continuously (adverb): In an unbroken manner.
- continuity (noun): The state of being continuous.
Collocations
- continuous flow
- continuous improvement
- continuous line
Example sentences
- "The Andes form a continuous mountain range along the western coast of South America." Describing a geographical feature.
- "The continuous hum of the machinery made it difficult to hear the subtle clicks of the Geiger counter." Scientific observation of sound.
Memory hook
Continuous has no 'a'—it is a straight line. Continual has an 'a' for 'again and again'. A solid line.
When not to use
Do not use this for things that stop and start, even if they happen frequently. Use 'continual' instead.
Fun facts
- In calculus, a continuous function is one where you can draw the graph without lifting your pencil from the paper.
Related words
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