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continue

v. · n.
US //kənˈtɪnju// UK //kəntˈɪnjuː// con·tin·ue
  1. 1 to keep doing something (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to keep doing something or to stay in the same state without stopping.

    to maintain an action, state, or condition without interruption.

    Example

    The rain continued all through the night and into the morning.

    Example

    Despite the technical difficulties during the first act, the performers continued the show with remarkable professionalism.
    Pitfall
    He continued his work despite of the noise.
    He continued his work despite the noise.

    Do not use 'of' after 'despite'. You can say 'despite the noise' or 'in spite of the noise'.

  2. 2 to start again (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to start an activity again after a break or interruption.

    to resume an activity or narrative after a pause or suspension.

    Example

    We will continue our meeting after a short break for lunch.

    Example

    The trial is expected to continue tomorrow morning once the witness has been properly briefed by legal counsel.
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  1. 3 to postpone a case (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    to move a legal case or meeting to a later date.

    to adjourn or postpone a legal proceeding to a future date. Often used in the passive voice.

    Example

    The judge decided to continue the case until next month.

    Example

    The defense attorney requested that the hearing be continued to allow more time for the discovery of forensic evidence.

    Usage

    In legal contexts, this is often used as a transitive verb meaning to delay.
  2. 4 gaming restart (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal Computing

    an option in a video game to keep playing after you lose all your lives.

    a feature in electronic games allowing a player to resume play from a specific point after a 'game over' state.

    Example

    I only had one continue left, so I had to play very carefully.

    Example

    The arcade version of the game offered unlimited continues, but the home console port limited the player to three attempts per session.
Origin

From Middle English continuen, from Old French continuer, from Latin continuāre. Displaced native Middle English thurghwonen, from Old English þurhwunian.

Word family

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