WordGarden.iocontinue
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /kəntˈɪnjuː/
US
- /kənˈtɪnju/
Meanings
Verb
to keep doing something or keep happening without stopping
to proceed again after a pause or from a later point
to extend farther in space or in a particular direction
More meaningsFewer meanings
to postpone a legal case or hearing to a later date
Other
a programming keyword or command that skips to the next loop iteration
Beyond the definition
To continue means to keep doing something or to resume an activity after a pause. Think of a runner in a race—they continue running even when they get tired! Or imagine reading a really good book; you continue turning the pages, eager to find out what happens next.
Sometimes "continue" simply means to carry on existing. A family tradition might continue for generations, or a peaceful state of affairs can continue undisturbed. You can also continue something from where it left off, like picking up a conversation after being interrupted. It's about keeping the momentum going, whether it's an action, a story, or a way of life.
The word "continue" describes the act of persisting in an activity, state, or course of action. It implies that something has already begun and is now being sustained or resumed. For example: "Despite the rain, the concert will continue as planned," meaning the performance won't be stopped.
"Continue" can refer to a physical action—like continuing to walk despite feeling tired—but it also applies to abstract concepts. You might say, "The debate continued for hours," or "Her influence continues to be felt years after her retirement." It suggests an unbroken flow or progression.
You can also continue from a specific point. "Let's continue where we left off" means resuming something exactly as it was before an interruption. This is common in storytelling, discussions, or projects.
Sometimes "continue" implies endurance through difficulty. A determined athlete might continue training even after suffering an injury, or a community might continue to rebuild after a disaster. In these cases, "continue" highlights resilience and perseverance.
So whether it's about keeping something going, picking up where you left off, or enduring through challenges, "continue" is all about maintaining momentum and moving forward.
Examples
- 1
Weather
The rain continued all afternoon.
- 2
Reading
After lunch, she continued reading in the garden.
- 3
Persistence
He was tired, but he continued to work until midnight.
- 4
Conversation
“I interrupted you, sorry. Please continue.”
- PhrasePlease continue
keep speaking
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Future conversation
We can continue this conversation tomorrow.
- 6
Moving on
Let’s continue with the next question.
- Patterncontinue with + task/topic
move on to it or keep working on it
- 7
Route
The road continues along the river for several miles.
- 8
Economic trend
Prices continue to rise faster than wages.
- 9
Job role
She continued as director for another two years.
- Patterncontinue as + role
stay in the same job or role
- 10
Medical advice
If the pain continues, call your doctor.
See also
Similar
- keep going
- carry on
- proceed
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- continue to do
- continue doing
- continue with
- continue as planned
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- continueverb
Forms
- continuedpast tenseverb
- continuesverb
- continuing-ing formverb