continue
continue
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "continue" is /kənˈtɪnjuː/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
kən:
/k/: Voiceless velar stop
/ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)
/n/: Alveolar nasal
ˈtɪn:
/t/: Voiceless alveolar stop
/ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")
/n/: Alveolar nasal
juː:
/j/: Palatal approximant (as in "yes")
/uː/: Close back rounded vowel (as in "moon")
Word Form Variations
Continue" is primarily a verb. It has several related forms that serve as other parts of speech.
Verb Forms:
Base Form: continue (e.g., "Please continue reading.")
Third-person singular present: continues (e.g., "The rain continues.")
Present participle: continuing (e.g., "He is continuing his studies.")
Past tense: continued (e.g., "She continued her journey.")
Past participle: continued (e.g., "The work has continued for days.")
Related Forms:
Noun: continuation (e.g., "A continuation of the story.")
Noun: continuity (e.g., "Ensuring continuity of service.")
Adjective: continuous (e.g., "A continuous flow.")
Adjective: continual (e.g., "Continual interruptions.")
Adverb: continually (e.g., "He talks continually.")
Adverb: continuously (e.g., "It rained continuously.")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb Definitions
To persist in an activity or process without interruption; to keep on doing something.
Synonyms: Proceed, carry on, keep going, persevere, persist, maintain, resume
Antonyms: Stop, cease, discontinue, halt, quit, interrupt, suspend
To remain in existence or operation; to last or endure.
Synonyms: Last, endure, persist, remain, extend, stay
Antonyms: End, cease, expire, perish, disappear
(Grammar) To go on from a point previously reached.
Synonyms: Resume, recommence, pick up, carry forward
Antonyms: Begin, start, initiate (in the sense of not picking up from prior point)
Examples of Use
Books
"The show must go on." (Popular theatrical saying) - This implies the need to continue despite challenges.
"He resolved to continue his research, no matter the obstacles he faced." (Common in biographies or academic narratives)
Newspapers and Online Publications
"Negotiations between the two countries are set to continue next week." (The New York Times)
"Experts predict that the trend of remote work will continue to grow in the coming years." (Forbes)
"Readers can continue the story online, with new chapters released weekly." (Wattpad)
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Film: In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey to Mordor despite overwhelming odds.
Television: "To be continued..." (A common phrase at the end of TV show episodes or seasons)
Music: Many ballads and inspirational songs feature lyrics about the importance of holding on and continuing, like "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey.
Video Games: Players often encounter "continue" options after a game over, allowing them to continue their progress.
General Public Discourse
"Please continue with your presentation." (Instruction during a meeting or talk)
"The rain is expected to continue throughout the night." (Weather forecast)
"We need to continue to support local businesses." (Discussion about community initiatives)
"Will you continue your studies next year?" (Asking about future plans)
10 Quotes Using Continue
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. Never lose a holy curiosity." (Albert Einstein) - This quote, while long, emphasizes the need to continue questioning.
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." (Winston Churchill)
"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." (Theodore Roosevelt) - This implies the need to continue striving while remaining grounded.
"If you are going through hell, keep going." (Winston Churchill) - This is a direct encouragement to continue enduring.
"And still, I rise." (Maya Angelou) - This powerful line speaks to the act of continuing despite adversity.
"You must continue to have faith in God and in your ability to succeed." (Unknown, common motivational saying)
"Life will continue to unfold, regardless of your fears." (Original)
"To continue on a path of growth requires constant learning." (Original)
"The show must go on." (Popular theatrical saying) - This implies the need to continue despite challenges.
"The work of a human being is to continue his life, always." (Original)
Etymology
The word "continue" comes from the Latin verb "continuare," which meant "to make continuous" or "to unite." This Latin word is formed from "con-" (meaning "together" or "thoroughly") and "tenere" (meaning "to hold"). You can see this "tenere" root in other words like "contain" and "tenacious."
So, at its root, "continue" is about holding things together in an unbroken sequence or extending without interruption.
The first known use of "continue" in English, appearing around the late 14th century, referred to keeping up an action or process without ceasing, or lasting in time. This core meaning of uninterrupted persistence remains central to the word's use today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Continue
Continue as before: To proceed in the same manner as previously.
Example: "Despite the changes, we will continue as before with our operations."
Continue with: To persist in doing something.
Example: "Please continue with your work while I take this call."
To be continued: A phrase used at the end of a narrative to indicate that it will resume later.
Example: "The episode ended with 'To be continued...'"
Continue the legacy: To uphold and maintain the traditions or achievements of someone who came before.
Example: "The new generation aims to continue the legacy of their ancestors."
Continue to fight: To persist in a struggle or effort.
Example: "Even after setbacks, they vowed to continue to fight for their rights."
Carry on: (Using a synonym, meaning to continue an activity).
Example: "Despite the difficulties, we must carry on."
Keep going: (Meaning to persist or not stop).
Example: "It's tough, but you just have to keep going."
Press on: (To continue despite difficulties or opposition).
Example: "Even when tired, they pressed on towards their goal."
Persevere through: (To continue in a course of action despite difficulty or delay in achieving success).
Example: "You need to persevere through these challenges."
Stay the course: (An idiom meaning to continue doing something until it is finished or successful, even if it is difficult).
Example: "The manager advised the team to stay the course despite the market fluctuations."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of continue from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
