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

Video Ad Feedback 01:50 - Source: CNN There are contingency plans to ensure schools and hospitals have a continuous supply, authorities have said. —Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, 11 Apr. 2024

The intense line of storms had traveled a continuous distance of more than 650 miles from west of Houston to south of Tallahassee. —Kathryn Prociv, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024

Hack The Box combines these three organizational pillars with a continuous learning journey based on the latest technologies, vulnerabilities, and solutions for all cybersecurity domains. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024

Choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year to provide a continuous nectar source. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

Tested the actual power at the propeller after 30 minutes of operation represents the maximum continuous power output. —Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2024

Beyond its towering elevation, the mountainous Continental Divide runs through the park, along with the highest continuous paved road in the United States (the Trail Ridge Road), which provides visitors with beautiful high-elevation drives. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024

Hart said there’s currently no means of taking a continuous walk through vast stretches of coast redwoods — the tallest trees on Earth. —Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024

Their dedication to continuous improvement, quality and effectiveness bleeds through their company culture. —Chrono Therapeutics, Discover Magazine, 3 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