continual
- 01 C1 Advanced
happening many times over a period of time, usually with short breaks in between.
occurring in steady, rapid, or frequent succession. Often used to describe recurring events rather than an unbroken state.
Simple“The project was delayed by continual arguments between the two managers.”
In context“The software development was hampered by continual interruptions from stakeholders, preventing the team from maintaining a steady workflow.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun it describes.
Teacher's tipIn formal writing, distinguish this from 'continuous' (unbroken). However, in casual speech, many native speakers use them interchangeably to mean 'never-ending'.
PitfallThe machine makes a continual noise all day. The machine makes a continuous noise all day.Use 'continual' for things that happen again and again with breaks. Use 'continuous' for things that never stop, like a steady hum.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
seeming to continue for a long time without stopping, especially something unpleasant.
appearing to have no end or interruption; used for a series of events that feel constant to the observer.
Simple“I am tired of your continual complaints about the weather.”
In context“The diplomat faced continual pressure from the press to reveal the details of the secret negotiations.”
Antonyms
continual vs continuous — Continual describes things that happen again and again with breaks in between, while continuous describes things that never stop.
“Prompts noting when a teen has hit 15 minutes of continual use.”
“Moss said in a statement late Monday that he has been in “continual dialogue” with El-Sayed over their disagreements, which he said he was grateful for.”
From Middle English continuel, from Old French continuel, formed from Latin continuus (“continuous”) with the suffix -el, equivalent to continue + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.