DictionaryAI

continue

kuhn-TIN-yoo/kənˈtɪnjuː/

Formscontinues, continuing, continued

6 meanings of continue

Practice

  1. 1
    carry onverbtransitive
    To keep doing something you have already started.

    Like picking up a book and reading the next chapter instead of stopping.

    She wants to continue her piano lessons next year.

    The kids continued to play even when it got dark.

    UsageSay continue doing or continue to do. Both are fine.

    Similarextend, prolong

    Oppositestop, discontinue, cease, halt

    Note
  2. 2
    verbintransitive
    To stay, or keep someone or something, in the same place, condition, or job.

    Like staying in your seat until the movie ends.

    The team voted to let her continue as captain next year.

    The old coach will continue in his job for one more season.

    UsageUse in or as: continue as captain, continue in a job.

    Similarremain, stay

    Note
  3. 3
    after a breakverbintransitive
    To start again after a pause or break.

    Like pressing play after pausing a video.

    The meeting will continue after a short break.

    Once everyone returned, the lesson continued.

    Similarresume, restart, recommence, proceed, reconvene

    Oppositestop, pause

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    video gamenouncountable
    A choice in a video game that lets you keep playing after losing all your lives, without starting over.

    Like an extra chance to keep going instead of starting from the beginning.

    She used her final continue to finish the last level.

    The game only gives players two continues before they have to start over.

    UsageYou use a continue, or run out of continues.

    Note
  2. 5
    put off (law)verbtransitive
    To put off a legal case or meeting to a later time.

    Like moving an appointment to a later day.

    The judge agreed to continue the trial for two weeks.

    They continued the hearing until the witness recovered.

    UsageA court continues a case until a later date.

    Similarpostpone, adjourn, defer, delay

    Note
  3. 6
    verbslang
    In poker, to follow up your earlier bet with another one to keep up the pressure.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of continue apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

This word came through Old French continuer from Latin continuāre.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts