“Continual” vs. “Continuous”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “continual” and “continuous”

  • The main difference between "continual" and "continuous" lies in the presence or absence of interruptions or breaks.
  • "Continual" implies repeated occurrences with intervals or interruptions, while "continuous" suggests an unbroken, uninterrupted flow.
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What is the definition of “continual” and “continuous”?

Continual
  • Continual refers to something that occurs repeatedly but with breaks in between.
  • It can also mean something that is persistent or never-ending, but with occasional interruptions.
  • The emphasis of continual is on the repetition, rather than the uninterrupted flow.
Continuous
  • Continuous refers to something that occurs without interruption or cessation.
  • It can also mean something that is ongoing or unbroken.
  • The emphasis of continuous is on the smooth and uninterrupted flow, rather than the repetition.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Continuous” is the more popular variant on the web.
Continual
82,800,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The continual rain soaked through my clothes.
  2. The child's continual whining was beginning to irritate the other passengers.
  3. The company is facing continual challenges in the competitive market.
More popular
Continuous
1,030,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. Her continuous laughter during the movie earned her a few looks from the other theater-goers.
  2. The factory operates on a continuous production line, 24/7.
  3. The continuous buzz of the fluorescent light kept me from falling asleep.
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