noun
Uncommon
continuum
kuhn-TIHN-yoo-uhm
Continuum (noun) means a continuous range or scale in which nearby points are barely different, but the far ends are very different from each other. Example: “Political opinion exists on a continuum from far left to far right.”
noun
1
A continuous range or scale in which nearby points are barely different, but the far ends are very different from each other.
"Political opinion exists on a continuum from far left to far right."
"Sleep quality can be thought of as a continuum from deep sleep to full wakefulness."
2
In mathematics, the set of all real numbers, or any similarly unbroken space.
"Mathematicians study whether infinities between the integers and the continuum exist."
How to use continuum
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA smooth, unbroken range where things blend gradually into each other rather than falling into separate boxes.
Common pairings
a continuum of
on a continuum
space-time continuum
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Word forms
- Plural
- continuums, continua
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Political opinion exists on a _____ from far left to far right.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin continuum, the neuter form of continuus, from continere ("to hold together, contain").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for continuum
See all rhymes for continuum →Frequently asked questions
What does “continuum” mean?
The word “continuum” means a continuous range or scale in which nearby points are barely different, but the far ends are very different from each other. In plain terms, a smooth, unbroken range where things blend gradually into each other rather than falling into separate boxes.
How do you pronounce “continuum”?
“Continuum” is pronounced kuhn-TIHN-yoo-uhm (/kənˈtɪnjuəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “continuum” in a sentence?
Here is “continuum” used in a sentence: “Political opinion exists on a continuum from far left to far right.”
What part of speech is “continuum”?
“Continuum” is a noun.
Where does the word “continuum” come from?
The word “continuum” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin continuum, the neuter form of continuus, from continere ("to hold together, contain").
Is “continuum” a common word?
“Continuum” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “continuum” have?
“Continuum” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a continuous range or scale in which nearby points are barely different, but the far ends are very different from each other.
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