continual
kuhn-TIHN-yoo-uhl
Continual (adj) means happening again and again over time, often with brief pauses in between. Example: “The factory has had continual problems with its machinery.”
adj
1
Happening again and again over time, often with brief pauses in between.
"The factory has had continual problems with its machinery."
How to use continual
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHappening repeatedly, though not necessarily without any break at all.
Common mistake
"Continual" allows for small breaks (repeated interruptions); "continuous" means without any break at all. Continual rain stops and starts; continuous rain never lets up.
Easily confused with
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The factory has had _____ problems with its machinery.
Etymology
From Old French continuel, from Latin continuus ("continuous") plus the suffix -el.
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for continual
See all rhymes for continual →Frequently asked questions
What does “continual” mean?
The word “continual” means happening again and again over time, often with brief pauses in between. In plain terms, happening repeatedly, though not necessarily without any break at all.
How do you pronounce “continual”?
“Continual” is pronounced kuhn-TIHN-yoo-uhl (/kənˈtɪnjuəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “continual” in a sentence?
Here is “continual” used in a sentence: “The factory has had continual problems with its machinery.”
What part of speech is “continual”?
“Continual” is an adjective.
Where does the word “continual” come from?
The word “continual” comes from Latin. From Old French continuel, from Latin continuus ("continuous") plus the suffix -el.
Is “continual” a common word?
“Continual” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
