Continuance: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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