First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
continual
adjective con·tin·u·al \kən-ˈtin-yü-əl, -yəl\
: happening without interruption : not stopping or ending
: happening again and again within short periods of time
Full Definition of CONTINUAL
1
: continuing indefinitely in time without interruption <continual fear>
2
: recurring in steady usually rapid succession <a history of continual invasions>
— con·tin·u·al·ly adverb
See continual defined for English-language learners
See continual defined for kids
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Origin of CONTINUAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French continuel, from Latin continuus continuous
Related to CONTINUAL
- Synonyms
- ceaseless, continuous, continued, continuing, incessant, nonstop, perpetual, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
- Antonyms
- discontinuous, noncontinuous
Synonym Discussion of CONTINUAL
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>.
CONTINUAL Defined for Kids
continual
adjective con·tin·u·al \kən-ˈtin-yə-wəl\
Definition of CONTINUAL for Kids
1
: going on or lasting without stop <On every side there rose a continual chattering. — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>
2
: occurring again and again within short periods of time <Your continual interruptions are annoying.>
— con·tin·u·al·ly adverb
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