happening or existing for a long time without stopping
The town has seen continued growth in tourism each summer.
His continued lateness annoyed the rest of the team.
(law, meetings) arranged or moved to take place at a later time
The judge continued the trial until next Tuesday.
Because the key witness was sick, the meeting was continued to the following week.
to keep happening or to keep doing something without stopping
The rain continued through the whole night, drumming on the roof.
Even after the bell rang, the students continued working on the test.
✦ From Latin continuāre “to join together, make continuous”, from continuus “uninterrupted”.
the past tense and past participle of continue
After a brief pause, the tour guide continued speaking to the group.
The rain continued throughout the night and flooded the streets.
to do something again after a pause, or to make something keep happening or developing
Please continue your story; I'm listening.
After lunch, they decided to continue the meeting.
to stop producing, providing, or doing something.
The company plans to discontinue its old product line.
The doctor told her to discontinue the medication immediately.
✦ From early 16th century: alteration (after continue) of discontinue, from Old French discontinuer, from late Latin discontinuare, from Latin dis- 'not' + continuare 'to continue'.
