continuum
- 01 C1 Advanced
a range or series where each part is almost the same as the one next to it, but the two ends are completely different.
a continuous series or whole in which no part is noticeably different from its adjacent parts, although the extremes are distinct.
Simple“Scientists often view light and sound as part of a single continuum of energy.”
In context“The researcher argued that the two political ideologies actually exist on a continuum rather than being entirely separate categories.”
UsageThe plural form is usually 'continua', though 'continuums' is also accepted in modern usage.
Antonymsdiscontinuityseparation - 02 C2 Proficiency
a set of numbers or points that are connected without any gaps.
the set of all real numbers, or more broadly, any compact connected metric space.
Simple“In calculus, we often work with a continuum of points along a line.”
In context“The hypothesis concerning the cardinality of the continuum remains one of the most famous problems in set theory.”
UsageTypically used as an uncountable noun in this specific mathematical context.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a special electronic keyboard that lets a player slide smoothly between notes without separate keys.
a touch-sensitive controller that allows for continuous pitch control, typically in increments as small as 1/100 of a semitone.
Simple“The musician used a continuum to create eerie, sliding sounds in the film score.”
In context“Unlike a traditional piano, the continuum allows the performer to execute seamless glissandi across several octaves.”
Synonyms
“Indeed, the secret strength of the film is how it includes the film-makers themselves, underscoring the continuum between nature, animals and people, all one big mostly happy, sometimes murderous family across the globe.”
“All four types sit on a continuum between paidia (complete improvisation) and ludus (structured rules).”
Borrowed from Latin continuum, neuter form of continuus, from contineō (“contain, enclose”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.