Main Entry: con·tin·ue

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): con·tin·ued; con·tinu·ing

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

Date: 14th century

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

synonyms 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>.