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Continuance: meaning, definitions and examples

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continuance

 

[kənˈtɪn.ju.əns ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

The action of continuing something or the state of being continued. Continuance is often granted in legal proceedings to allow for more time or to postpone a hearing.

Synonyms

extension, postponement, prolongation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continuance

Appropriate in legal and formal scenarios to refer to the duration or persistence of something, often a court proceeding.

  • The lawyer requested a continuance of the trial to gather more evidence.
  • The judge granted a continuance to allow time for settlement discussions.
extension

Commonly used when referring to an increase in time or space, such as deadlines, contracts, or physical structures.

  • She asked for an extension on her project deadline.
  • The extension of the building was completed last month.
postponement

Used to describe the act of delaying an event or action to a later time, often temporarily.

  • Due to bad weather, there was a postponement of the outdoor concert.
  • The postponement of the meeting was announced this morning.
prolongation

Refers to making something last longer than usual, often with a slightly negative connotation, implying it may be unwanted or unnecessary.

  • The prolongation of the negotiations caused frustration among the team members.
  • There was concern about the prolongation of the patient's recovery period.

Examples of usage

  • The judge granted a continuance for the trial.
  • The lawyer requested a continuance to gather more evidence.
Context #2 | Noun

formal

The fact or condition of continuing without interruption; continuation.

Synonyms

continuation, perpetuation, persistence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
continuance

Used in formal contexts, especially legal or administrative proceedings, to indicate the extension or postponement of something.

  • The judge granted a continuance to give the defense more time to prepare
  • The project saw a continuance despite budget cuts
continuation

Generally refers to the fact of continuing something or carrying it forward, and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • The continuation of the meeting will be held tomorrow
  • She appreciated the continuation of their friendship over the years
persistence

Indicates the fact of continuing in an action or situation, often despite difficulties or opposition. Commonly used to describe positive traits, but can also have negative connotations.

  • Her persistence paid off when she finally got the promotion
  • The persistence of the rumors caused undue stress
perpetuation

Usually implies the act of making something continue indefinitely, often used in negative contexts to describe the unwanted prolongation of issues or problems.

  • The policy contributes to the perpetuation of inequality
  • They feared the perpetuation of old stereotypes

Examples of usage

  • The continuance of the rain caused flooding in the area.
  • The company is committed to the continuance of quality service.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'continuare', meaning 'to join together, to connect'.
  • It was first used in English during the late 14th century, originally relating to the idea of holding together.
  • The suffix '-ance' indicates a state or quality, suggesting the state of continuing.

Law

  • In legal terms, continuance refers to the postponement of a court hearing or trial to a later date.
  • It serves to ensure fairness, giving parties time to prepare adequately.
  • Continuances can be requested for various reasons, including needing more time for evidence collection or scheduling conflicts.

Philosophy

  • The concept relates to discussions on the nature of existence and the continuity of life.
  • Philosophers debate whether something can continue to exist if it changes fundamentally over time.
  • Continuity is often seen as essential for identity; if something changes too much, is it still the same entity?

Psychology

  • Continuance can relate to cognitive processes, where individuals prefer familiarity and ongoing experiences.
  • The idea of continuity can affect decision-making, as people often choose what feels familiar over novel alternatives.
  • Mental models in psychology help understand how people perceive continuity in their lives and relationships.

Cultural Impact

  • Continuance is a theme in many works of art and literature, exploring the idea of perseverance through challenges.
  • In cinema, sequels represent the notion of continuance by extending a story beyond its original ending.
  • Cultural rituals and traditions often emphasize the importance of continuance, celebrating legacies and heritage.

Translations

Translations of the word "continuance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 continuação

🇮🇳 जारी रहना

🇩🇪 Fortsetzung

🇮🇩 kelanjutan

🇺🇦 продовження

🇵🇱 kontynuacja

🇯🇵 継続 (けいぞく)

🇫🇷 continuité

🇪🇸 continuación

🇹🇷 devam

🇰🇷 계속 (gyesok)

🇸🇦 استمرار

🇨🇿 pokračování

🇸🇰 pokračovanie

🇨🇳 继续 (jìxù)

🇸🇮 nadaljevanje

🇮🇸 framhald

🇰🇿 жалғастыру

🇬🇪 გაგრძელება

🇦🇿 davam

🇲🇽 continuación

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,384 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.