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Continuity: meaning, definitions and examples

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continuity

 

[kɑːnˌtɪnjuˈɪti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

The quality or state of being continuous. In mathematics, continuity is a property of a function that describes the absence of any abrupt changes in value.

Synonyms

consistency, smoothness, uninterruptedness.

Examples of usage

  • The continuity of the function ensures that there are no sudden jumps in the graph.
  • The concept of continuity is fundamental in calculus and analysis.
Context #2 | Noun

film

Continuity refers to the consistency of details in a film from one shot to another. It ensures that there are no inconsistencies in props, costumes, or actions between scenes.

Synonyms

coherence, consistency, continuation.

Examples of usage

  • The director pays close attention to continuity to avoid mistakes in the final edit.
  • Continuity errors can be distracting for the audience.
Context #3 | Noun

physics

In physics, continuity refers to the principle that a physical quantity remains constant within a system unless acted upon by an external force. It is related to the conservation of mass, energy, and momentum.

Synonyms

constancy, persistence, stability.

Examples of usage

  • The law of continuity states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
  • The concept of continuity helps explain the behavior of fluids in motion.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'continuitas,' which means 'uninterrupted' or 'unbroken.'
  • It has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, first relating to time and space.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'together' or 'with,' and 'tinuare' comes from 'tenere,' meaning 'to hold.'

Mathematics

  • In math, continuity describes a function that doesn't have any jumps, breaks, or holes.
  • A continuous function can be drawn without lifting your pencil from the paper, which is essential in calculus.
  • The concept of continuity helps understand limits and behaviors of functions as they approach certain points.

Film and Literature

  • Continuity in film refers to keeping consistency in details like props, costumes, and lighting across scenes.
  • Writers use continuity to ensure that storylines flow logically without contradictions, creating a smoother reading experience.
  • Errors in continuity are often seen as mistakes that can confuse the audience, sometimes leading to ‘plot holes’.

Sociology

  • In social sciences, continuity can refer to traditions and practices that are passed down through generations.
  • Communities often rely on continuity to maintain cultural identity, ensuring values and beliefs persist over time.
  • Events that disrupt continuity, such as wars or migrations, can profoundly impact societal structures and relationships.

Education

  • In teaching, continuity is important for building knowledge—students need to connect new information with what they've learned before.
  • Curricula designed with continuity in mind often lead to better retention and understanding of subjects among students.
  • Educational theories stress the importance of a continuous experience in learning to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Translations

Translations of the word "continuity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 continuidade

🇮🇳 निरंतरता

🇩🇪 Kontinuität

🇮🇩 kesinambungan

🇺🇦 неперервність

🇵🇱 ciągłość

🇯🇵 連続性 (れんぞくせい)

🇫🇷 continuité

🇪🇸 continuidad

🇹🇷 süreklilik

🇰🇷 연속성 (yeonsokseong)

🇸🇦 استمرارية

🇨🇿 kontinuita

🇸🇰 kontinuita

🇨🇳 连续性 (liánxùxìng)

🇸🇮 neprekinjenost

🇮🇸 samfella

🇰🇿 үздіксіздік

🇬🇪 უწყვეტობა

🇦🇿 davamlılıq

🇲🇽 continuidad

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,965, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.