- continue
- verb
(-tinued; -tinuing)
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French continuer, from Latin continuare, from continuus
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
1. to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action <the boat continued downstream> 2. to remain in existence ; endure <> 3. to remain in a place or condition ; stay <cannot continue here much longer> 4. to resume an activity after interruption <we'll continue after lunch> transitive verb 1. a. keep up, maintain <continues walking> b. to keep going or add to ; prolong <continue the battle>; also to resume after intermission 2. to cause to continue <chose not to continue her subscription> 3. to allow to remain in a place or condition ; retain <the trustees were continued> 4. to postpone (a legal proceeding) by a continuance • continuer noun Synonyms: continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely. continue applies to a process going on without ending <the search for peace will continue>. last especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected <buy shoes that will last>. endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies <in spite of everything, her faith endured>. abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability <a love that abides through 40 years of marriage>. persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness <the sense of guilt persisted>.
New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.
