adj.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' tin-yü- ə l, -y ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French continuel, from Latin continuus continuous
Date: 14th century
1 : continuing indefinitely in time without interruption < continual fear>
2 : recurring in steady usually rapid succession <a history of continual invasions>
– con · tin · u · al · ly adverb
synonyms CONTINUAL , CONTINUOUS , CONSTANT , INCESSANT , PERPETUAL , PERENNIAL mean characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence. CONTINUAL often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence < continual showers the whole weekend>. CONTINUOUS usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension <football's oldest continuous rivalry>. CONSTANT implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence <lived in constant pain>. INCESSANT implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity <annoyed by the incessant quarreling>. PERPETUAL suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration <a land of perpetual snowfall>. PERENNIAL implies enduring existence often through constant renewal <a perennial source of controversy>.