Continual: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something that happens repeatedly or often, but with interruptions in between.

• The continual delays were frustrating for the passengers.
• She received continual praise for her hard work.

Used to describe an action or state that happens without any pauses or interruptions.

• The continuous hum of the air conditioner was soothing.
• She was in continuous pain after the accident.

Used for something that does not change and remains steady over time.

• He lived in constant fear of being discovered.
• The temperature in the room was constant during the experiment.

Refers to something that proceeds without any breaks or stops, emphasizing seamless flow.

• They enjoyed an uninterrupted view of the mountains.
• He worked for three hours uninterrupted to finish the report.

Use when something happens without much interruption over a period of time, often implying persistence and possibly irritation.

• The continual rain spoiled our plans
• Her continual interruptions made it hard to focus

Use when something happens often with short intervals between occurrences.

• He makes frequent trips to the coffee shop
• His frequent absences from work were noted

Use when something happens multiple times, usually stressing the recurrence more than the intervals.

• The repeated warnings went unheeded
• His repeated calls for help eventually brought assistance

Use when something happens at predictable intervals or patterns.

• She has regular check-ups every six months
• They hold regular meetings every Monday