Word
continuously
Phoneticscon·tin·u·ous·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɪnjuəsɫi/
UK/kəntˈɪnjuːəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. happening without any stops or breaks. You use this when something keeps going in a steady way for a long time.
adv. without interruption or cessation; in an unbroken sequence. Often used to describe mechanical processes or natural phenomena that do not pause.
Examples
“The machine runs continuously throughout the night.”
“The waterfall flows continuously, providing a steady source of power for the nearby village.”
“In the high-tech laboratory, sensors monitor the temperature of the samples continuously to ensure that even a minor fluctuation does not compromise the integrity of the experiment.”
Examples
simple
“The machine runs continuously throughout the night.”
contextual
“The waterfall flows continuously, providing a steady source of power for the nearby village.”
complex
“In the high-tech laboratory, sensors monitor the temperature of the samples continuously to ensure that even a minor fluctuation does not compromise the integrity of the experiment.”
Usage
Typically placed after the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.
Pitfall
The rain fell continually for three days.
The rain fell continuously for three days.
Learners often confuse 'continually' (happening frequently but with breaks) with 'continuously' (happening without any breaks at all).
Real-World Examples
“The cameras continuously scan the landscape from towers and mountain tops.” “Unlike solar storm radiation, GCR arrive continuously at much higher energies, which makes them harder to shield against.” “This evidence is also reviewed continuously as new data emerge from across the world.” “The Sun continuously sends a fast stream of charged particles through space, a phenomenon known as the solar wind.” Etymology
From continuous + -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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/continuously