continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yü-əs 

1

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence

The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

2

of a function : having the property that the absolute value of the numerical difference between the value at a given point and the value at any point in a neighborhood of the given point can be made as close to zero as desired by choosing the neighborhood small enough

continuousness noun

Synonyms

• ceaseless
• continual
• continued
• continuing
• incessant
• nonstop
• perpetual
• running
• unbroken
• unceasing
• uninterrupted
• unremitting

Choose the Right Synonym for continuous

continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence.

continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

Examples of continuous in a Sentence

The album is divided into different tracks, but it is really one continuous song.

a continuous line of traffic

The batteries provide enough power for up to five hours of continuous use.

The phrases “am seeing,” “had been seeing,” and “is being seen” are all in continuous tenses.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both charging methods take about 8 hours to complete, giving you up to 8 hours of continuous use. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Apr. 2024

The Phoenix Cinco de Mayo festival features continuous live music on two stages, including local heroes Las Calakas and Znora, lucha libre, ballet folklorico, mariachi serenades, a free Kids Zone with games, giveaways, traditional Mexican food, margaritas and more. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 22 Apr. 2024

Topology concerns itself with continuous shapes, and polling sites are at discrete locations. —Lyndie Chiou, WIRED, 21 Apr. 2024

But Take Note The batteries only last for one to two hours of continuous use. —Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 Apr. 2024

The new section for the first time displays the full scope of The Underline’s intent: A lushly landscaped, continuous running, walking and cycling trail that provides an alluring new way to connect Metrorail stations and the densely populated neighborhoods that run along it. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 20 Apr. 2024

What’s happening today is continuous, and playing out on a greater scale. —Michael Kugelman, TIME, 19 Apr. 2024

As for other specs, JBL’s latest portable speaker offers a decent 12 hours of continuous playback and an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. —Brandon Widder, The Verge, 17 Apr. 2024

That disappointment continued 44 years of continuous heartbreak for Purdue, who have consistently fallen short of expectations, succumbing to bad luck and shock defeats. —Steve Almasy, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin continuus (from continēre "to hold together, retain, restrain, have as contents" + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix) + -ous — more at contain

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing continuous

• continuous positive airway pressure

Kids Definition

continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs 

: continuing without a stop

continuously adverb

continuousness noun

Medical Definition

continuous

adjective

con·​tin·​u·​ous kən-ˈtin-yə-wəs 

: marked by uninterrupted extension in space, time, or sequence : continuing without intermission or recurring regularly after minute interruptions

continuous vitamin injections

continuously adverb