continual, continuous, constant, incessant, perpetual, perennial mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

The continuous form of a verb is used to show that the action is continuing. In English, it is formed with the verb "be" followed by a present participle (= the -ing form of a verb):

If something is continuous, it happens all the time without stopping, or seems to do so. For example, if you say 'There was continual rain', you mean that it rained often.

Jan 20, 2026 · Continuous is stronger than continual. It denotes that the continuity or union of parts is absolute and uninterrupted, as in a continuous sheet of ice, or a continuous flow of …

CONTINUOUS definition: uninterrupted in time; without cessation. See examples of continuous used in a sentence.

Continuous definition: Uninterrupted in time, sequence, substance, or extent.

USAGE Both continual and continuous can be used to say that something continues without interruption, but only continual can correctly be used to say that something keeps happening …

con•tin•u•ous (kən tin′ yo̅o̅ əs), adj. uninterrupted in time; without cessation: continuous coughing during the concert. being in immediate connection or spatial relationship: a continuous series …

Continuous and continuously describe something that continues without stopping. Continual and continually usually describe an action that is repeated again and again.

Unintermitted, or constantly renewed; continual. In botany, not deviating from uniformity: the reverse of interrupted. Thus, a stem which has no joints is said to be continuous. from the …