continue

verb con·tin·ue \kən-ˈtin-(ˌ)yü\

: to do something without stopping : to keep doing something in the same way as before

: to stay in a job or position

: to keep happening or existing : to remain active or in existence without changing or stopping

con·tin·uedcon·tinu·ing

Full Definition of CONTINUE

intransitive verb

: to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action <the boat continued downstream>

: to remain in existence : endure <the tradition continues>

: to remain in a place or condition : stay <cannot continue here much longer>

: to resume an activity after interruption <we'll continue after lunch>

transitive verb

a : keep up, maintain <continues walking>

b : to keep going or add to : prolong <continue the battle>; also : to resume after intermission

: to cause to continue <chose not to continue her subscription>

: to allow to remain in a place or condition : retain <the trustees were continued>

: to postpone (a legal proceeding) by a continuance

— con·tinu·er \-yü-ər\ noun

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Origin of CONTINUE

Middle English, from Anglo-French continuer, from Latin continuare, from continuus

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTINUE

Synonyms: abide, bide, endure, hold on, hold up, keep up, last, perdure, persist, remain, run on

Antonyms: cease, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, lapse, leave off, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up

Synonym Discussion of CONTINUE

continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending <the search for peace will continue>. last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected <buy shoes that will last>. endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies <in spite of everything, her faith endured>. abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability <a love that abides through 40 years of marriage>. persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness <the sense of guilt persisted>.

CONTINUES Defined for Kids