Carry on Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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carry on

[ˈkæri ɒn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Phrasal verb}

continue

To continue doing something, especially after an interruption.

Synonyms

continue, persist, proceed, resume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carry on	Often used in casual conversations to encourage someone to keep going despite interruptions or difficulties. Don't worry about the noise, just carry on with your presentation. After a short break, they carried on with the meeting.
continue	General term used to indicate that someone should keep doing something without stopping; suitable for both formal and informal situations. Please continue reading the instructions. They decided to continue their journey despite the weather.
proceed	Usually used in formal or official contexts to indicate moving forward with a task or process. The judge ordered the court to proceed with the case. You may proceed to the next step of the application.
persist	Implies determination to continue despite obstacles or difficulties; often used in motivational or inspirational contexts. She persisted in her efforts to get the funding. Despite the criticism, he persisted and eventually succeeded.
resume	Used when someone stops something and then starts it again after a pause or interruption. The meeting was interrupted but will resume after lunch. After a brief conversation, they resumed their work.

Examples of usage

He told us to carry on working as if nothing had happened.
I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation - please carry on.
We'll carry on with the meeting after a short break.

^{Context #2 | Phrasal verb}

persevere

To continue with one's activities or tasks despite difficulties or setbacks.

Synonyms

keep going, persevere, persist, stick with it.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
carry on	Use when encouraging someone to continue their current activity, especially when they might be facing mild to moderate difficulties. Despite the rain, they decided to carry on with the picnic. You should carry on your good work.
persevere	Use in more formal or serious situations, often when someone is facing significant challenges and is being encouraged to continue with effort. She had to persevere through many hardships before achieving success. To master a new skill, you need to persevere.
persist	Use when emphasizing continued effort over time, especially when there are obstacles. This can have a slightly more determined or relentless tone. He persisted in his efforts despite numerous setbacks. If you persist, you will eventually break through.
keep going	Use in situations where you are motivating someone to continue moving forward or to not give up, generally in the face of physical or mental effort. You're almost there, just keep going! Even when it gets hard, keep going and you'll succeed.
stick with it	Use in informal situations to encourage someone to continue doing something, usually when the person might be considering stopping. I know learning a new language is tough, but stick with it! Stick with it, and you’ll see results.

Examples of usage

She decided to carry on with her studies despite the challenges.
Don't give up now - just carry on and you will succeed.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

'Carry On' is a famous British film series that began in the 1950s, known for its humor and light-hearted approach to various themes.
The phrase has been popularized in music, with songs encouraging perseverance and resilience, such as 'Carry On' by fun.

Psychology

Using the concept of 'carrying on' can be a coping mechanism in psychology, promoting resilience during tough life events.
Research shows that having a mindset of perseverance can improve mental health and emotional stability.

Literature

Many authors highlight the importance of 'carrying on' within their characters, showing growth through adversity.
The phrase appears in numerous literary works, often emphasizing hope and determination against all odds.

History

During World War II, the phrase 'Keep Calm and Carry On' became a slogan meant to encourage British morale amidst bombings.
Historical figures like Winston Churchill frequently used 'carrying on' as a rallying cry to inspire others during challenging times.

Origin of 'carry on'

Main points about word origin

The phrase 'carry on' dates back to the late 19th century, originally used in military contexts to instruct troops to continue moving.
The word 'carry' comes from the Old French 'carrier', which means to support or bear a load.

The term 'carry on' originated in the 14th century and was initially used in the sense of 'to continue or proceed with an action'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. The phrasal verb 'carry on' has become a common expression in the English language, symbolizing the importance of persistence and resilience.