Use continuously for an unbroken process or state, and choose continually or regularly when something happens often but with pauses between occurrences.
Use continuously for an unbroken process or state, and choose continually or regularly when something happens often but with pauses between occurrences.
Continuously is often confused with continually for actions that repeat with gaps, and continuous is sometimes used where the adverb is needed.
Formed from continuous and the adverb suffix -ly. Continuous comes through French or directly from Latin continuus, from continere, meaning to hold together or be uninterrupted.
What does continuously mean?
Continuously means without a pause, gap, or interruption.
How is continuously different from continually?
Continuously stresses an unbroken process, while continually often means repeated again and again with possible gaps.
Is continuously an adjective?
No. Continuously is an adverb. The adjective is continuous.
Can continuously describe space as well as time?
Yes. It can describe something connected without a break, such as a line, road, or range.
What is a common synonym for continuously?
Uninterruptedly is a close synonym, especially when no break is meant.