continue

verb

con·​tin·​ue kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü 

continued; continuing

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 to this day.

3

: to remain in a place or condition : stay

We 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

continuer

kən-ˈtin-yü-ər 

noun

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of continue in a Sentence

The team will continue with their drills until the coach is satisfied with their performance.

The world's population continues to grow.

The traditions will continue only as long as the next generations keep them alive.

The good weather continued for several days.

The lecture continued for another hour after we left.

Exit the highway, take a right off the ramp, then continue down the street until you get to the first traffic light.

Continue along this path until you come to the end.

The plot gets more and more intricate as the story continues.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jury selection is underway, and as the trial continues to ramp up, its grip on our culture will likely only grow stronger. —Charles Trepany, USA Today, 10 May 2025

But these people, because of their caring for the community, are continuing to show up every day, day in and day out, and making sure that the work that needs to happen during a measles outbreak happens. —Dan Gorenstein, NPR, 9 May 2025

If the Rodgers situation continues dragging out, could Pittsburgh move on and pursue a trade with the Falcons for Cousins? —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

The only question is how long this situation continues. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English continuen "to persist, persevere, last, postpone (a hearing or trial)," borrowed from Anglo-French continuer, borrowed from Latin continuāre "to make continuous, extend in space, keep on with," verbal derivative of continuus "uninterrupted, continuous

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Rhymes for continue

• continuo
• discontinue

Kids Definition

continue

verb

con·​tin·​ue kən-ˈtin-yü 

continued; continuing

1

: to do or cause to do the same thing without stopping

I continue to work hard

the weather continued hot and sunny

2

: to go on or carry on after an interruption : resume

to be continued next week

continuer

-yə-wər

noun

Legal Definition

continue

transitive verb

con·​tin·​ue

continued; continuing

: to postpone (a legal proceeding) to a future day