Word
continually
Phoneticscon·tin·u·al·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɪnjuəɫi/
UK/kəntˈɪnjuːəli/
Adverb of frequency
Definitions
01repeatedly
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adv. happening many times or very often, usually in a way that is annoying or noticeable.
adv. occurring in regular or frequent succession. Often carries a pragmatic nuance of persistence or irritation.
日本語:繰り返し※
“He continually asked the same question even though I had already answered it.”
“The software was continually updated throughout the year to address minor bugs and security vulnerabilities reported by users.”
Pitfall
The machine runs continually without stopping.
The machine runs continuously without stopping.
Use 'continually' for things that happen again and again with breaks. Use 'continuously' for things that never stop.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02without stopping
C1 · Advanced Formal
adv. happening without any breaks or interruptions.
adv. occurring without interruption or cessation; in a continuous manner. Note that many style guides prefer 'continuously' for this specific meaning.
日本語:絶えず※
“It rained continually for three days, and the streets never had a chance to dry.”
“The waterfall flows continually from the cliffside, providing a steady source of hydroelectric power for the remote village.”
Usage
In formal writing, 'continually' is strictly for repeated events, while 'continuously' is for uninterrupted ones.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “continually” in context.
Verb
01. continually change
“In the tech industry, software requirements continually change to meet evolving user needs.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“I continually push myself and the system to do more.” “A Jupiter-like neighbour may be a prerequisite for advanced life, since on a planet without one, the clock of evolution would be continually reset by mass extinctions.” “Through a conversation between past and present, Jaycee’s childhood seeps into the contemporary narrative in shards of memory and recurring visions, her adult life continually interrupted by the child she once was.” Etymology
From continual + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/continually
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0