continue

con·tin·ue

verb \kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü\

con·tin·uedcon·tinu·ing

Definition of CONTINUE

intransitive verb

1

: to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action <the boat continued downstream>

2

: to remain in existence : endure <the tradition continues>

3

: to remain in a place or condition : stay <cannot continue here much longer>

4

: to resume an activity after interruption <we'll continue after lunch>

transitive verb

1

a : keep up, maintain <continues walking>

b : to keep going or add to : prolong <continue the battle>; also : to resume after intermission

2

: to cause to continue <chose not to continue her subscription>

3

: to allow to remain in a place or condition : retain <the trustees were continued>

4

: to postpone (a legal proceeding) by a continuance

— con·tinu·er \-yü-ər\ noun

Examples of CONTINUE

1. The team will continue with their drills until the coach is satisfied with their performance.
2. The world's population continues to grow.
3. The traditions will continue only as long as the next generations keep them alive.
4. The good weather continued for several days.
5. The lecture continued for another hour after we left.
6. Exit the highway, take a right off the ramp, then continue down the street until you get to the first traffic light.
7. Continue along this path until you come to the end.
8. The plot gets more and more intricate as the story continues.

Origin of CONTINUE

Middle English, from Anglo-French continuer, from Latin continuare, from continuus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTINUE

Synonyms

abide, bide, endure, hold on, hold up, keep up, last, perdure, persist, remain, run on

Antonyms

cease, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, lapse, leave off, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up

Related Words

linger, stay, stick around, tarry; carry through, prevail, survive

Near Antonyms

abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane

Synonym Discussion of CONTINUE

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending <the search for peace will continue>. last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected <buy shoes that will last>. endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies <in spite of everything, her faith endured>. abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability <a love that abides through 40 years of marriage>. persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness <the sense of guilt persisted>.