continuance

/kənˈtɪnjuəns/ (bre, ipa) · /kənˈtɪnjuəns/ (ame, ipa) · /kən-ˈtin-yü-ən(t)s/ (ame, mw)

continuance — noun

1. the state of something still existing or operating, or of an activity going on w

1.名詞C1
釋義

the state of something still existing or operating, or of an activity going on without stopping

例句

The continuance of bus service kept the mountain town connected all winter.

the continuance of + noun

Parents welcomed the continuance of free lunches during the summer program.

同義詞
  • continuation

    the closest general alternative, often a little less formal

  • survival

    stresses staying alive or avoiding disappearance

  • maintenance

    often suggests deliberate support that keeps something in place

反義詞

文法句型

the continuance of + noun

allow the continuance of + noun

threaten the continuance of + noun

用法筆記

Most often appears in the pattern 'the continuance of' before a service, right, program, or condition. Distinguish from sense 2: this sense names the ongoing existence itself, not the length of the period.

常見錯誤

❌The continuance the program helped many families.
✅The continuance of the program helped many families.
💡Usually use 'of' before the thing that keeps going.
❌We were glad for the continuance to evening classes.
✅We were glad for the continuance of evening classes.
💡This noun normally takes 'of', not 'to'.

2. the stretch of time while something keeps happening or remains in effect

2.名詞C2
釋義

the stretch of time while something keeps happening or remains in effect

例句

No trucks could enter the village during the continuance of the landslide warning.

during the continuance of + noun

Residents received bottled water for the continuance of the pipe repair.

同義詞
  • duration

    the most direct everyday word for how long something lasts

  • span

    often used for a measured period with clear start and end points

  • course

    can suggest the whole period through which an event runs

反義詞
  • end

    the point when the period finishes

  • interruption

    a break that stops the period from continuing smoothly

文法句型

during the continuance of + noun

for the continuance of + noun

throughout the continuance of + noun

用法筆記

Usually appears after prepositions such as 'during', 'for', or 'throughout' in formal writing. Distinguish from sense 1: here continuance points to how long the situation lasts, not simply to the fact that it continues.

常見錯誤

❌During continuance the storm, flights stopped.
✅During the continuance of the storm, flights stopped.
💡In this sense, use the fixed pattern 'the continuance of'.

3. a court's decision to move a case or hearing to a later date

3.名詞C2
釋義

a court's decision to move a case or hearing to a later date

例句

The judge granted a continuance so Heather could find a new lawyer.

grant a continuance

Defense lawyers asked for a continuance after receiving late phone records.

ask for a continuance

同義詞
  • adjournment

    the closest legal synonym, often used more broadly for pausing proceedings

  • postponement

    a more general word that is not limited to court cases

  • delay

    the broad everyday term, less technical than continuance

反義詞
  • hearing

    the proceeding going ahead as scheduled

  • trial

    the case being heard rather than put off

文法句型

grant a continuance

ask for a continuance

deny the continuance

continuance of the hearing

用法筆記

Used mainly in legal contexts for moving a hearing or trial to a later day. Do not use this sense for ordinary delays such as meetings, trips, or school events.

常見錯誤

❌The meeting got a continuance until Friday.
✅The court granted a continuance until Friday.
💡This sense is a legal term for cases or hearings, not for everyday plans.