continuous

Definitions

continue + -ous = having the quality of continuing. continuous means truly unbroken — no gaps at all (a continuous line, continuous noise). This is the key contrast with continual, which allows repeated pauses.

Common Collocations

• 1.continuous improvement持续改进
• 2.continuous monitoring持续监测
• 3.continuous flow连续流动
• 4.continuous learning持续学习

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The machine emits a continuous low hum.

• 2.

  They demand continuous improvement in quality.

Easily Confused

continuous vs continual: continuous = no break at all (continuous rain fell for three days — it never stopped). continual = happening again and again with pauses between (continual interruptions — they keep recurring). Rule of thumb: one unbroken stretch → continuous; repeated occurrences → continual.