continuous

/kənˈtɪnjəwəs/

/kənˈtɪnjuəs/

The adjective continuous describes something that occurs over space or time without interruption. Some computer fans make a continuous noise — a constant buzz — that can drive you to distraction.

Continuous things don’t stop, not even for a coffee break. A continuous sheet of ice has no cracks, a continuous noise never pauses, and a continuous line of railroad is the kind you want if you’re on a train. Continual, on the other hand, is used to describe things that start and stop occasionally. Use continuous for anything that goes on and on.

Definitions of continuous

1. adjective

   continuing in time or space without interruption
   “"a continuous rearrangement of electrons in the solar atoms results in the emission of light"- James Jeans”

   “a continuous bout of illness lasting six months”

   “lived in continuous fear”

   “a continuous row of warehouses”

   “a continuous line has no gaps or breaks in it”

   synonyms: uninterrupted

   unbroken

   marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

   around-the-clock, day-and-night, nonstop, round-the-clock

   at all times

   ceaseless, constant, incessant, never-ending, perpetual, unabating, unceasing, unremitting

   uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing

   continual

   `continual' (meaning seemingly uninterrupted) is often used interchangeably with `continuous' (meaning without interruption)

   dogging, persisting

   relentless and indefatigable in pursuit or as if in pursuit

   endless

   having the ends united so as to form a continuous whole

   free burning, sustained

   (of an electric arc) continuous

   consecutive, straight

   successive (without a break)

   sustained

   maintained at length without interruption or weakening

   antonyms:

   discontinuous

   not continuing without interruption in time or space

   broken

   not continuous in space, time, or sequence or varying abruptly

   sporadic

   recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances

   disrupted

   marked by breaks or gaps

   disjunct

   used of distributions, as of statistical or natural populations
2. adjective

   of a function or curve; extending without break or irregularity
   antonyms:

   discontinuous

   of a function or curve; possessing one or more discontinuities