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):

A continuous process or event continues for a period of time without stopping. Residents report that they heard continuous gunfire. ...all employees who had a record of five years' continuous …

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.

Definition of continuous adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 14, 2025 · So Daniel Webster speaks of "a continuous and unbroken strain of the martial airs of England." By contrast, continual usually marks a close and unbroken succession of things, …

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 …