continuity

The word “continuity” means an unbroken, consistent flow or connection over time, without gaps or interruption. In plain terms, an unbroken, consistent connection — either in a story, a process, or between shots in a film.

“Continuity” is pronounced kon-tih-NYOO-ih-tee (/ˌkɑn.tɪˈn(j)u.ə.ti/ in IPA).

Here is “continuity” used in a sentence: “The new manager worked hard to maintain continuity within the team.”

Words with a similar meaning to “continuity” include continence, continuousness, flow, ongoingness and uninterruptedness.

The opposite of “continuity” — its antonyms — are discontinuity, noncontinuity and unevenness.

“Continuity” is a noun.

The word “continuity” comes from Latin. From Middle French continuité, from Latin continuitas, built from continue + -ity.

“Continuity” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

Continuity refers to an unbroken flow or connection over time without gaps or interruption, while consistency refers to things matching or agreeing with each other, whether or not time is involved. A story can have continuity by unfolding without breaks, while also having consistency in its characters' behavior.

In film and TV, continuity refers to the consistency of small details, such as clothing, props, or lighting, between shots that depict the same scene, even if they were filmed at different times. A continuity error occurs when such a detail changes noticeably between shots.

A business continuity plan outlines how an organization will keep operating without interruption during a disruption, such as a natural disaster or system failure. It draws on the core meaning of continuity as an unbroken, consistent flow over time.