continuance
gb/kəntˈɪnjuəns/ us/kəntˈɪnjuəns/
C1
English
~ 7200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
state
1
the state of continuing over time
The state of something going on or staying the same for some time.
Usage pattern:
the continuance of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "continuance" with "continuation." In many cases both are possible, but "continuation" is more common in everyday English. "Continuance" sounds more formal and is often used in official or legal-style writing. Do not confuse it with the adjective "continuous," which describes something that does not stop at all.
Synonyms
continuation (Very close in meaning; often slightly broader and more common in everyday use than "continuance.")
|
duration (Focuses on the length of time something lasts, not on the idea of staying in the same state.)
|
persistence (Adds a feeling of effort or difficulty in continuing, which "continuance" itself does not always imply.)
Antonyms
end (General word for when something stops, the opposite of continuing.)
|
termination (A more formal word for bringing something to a stop, especially officially.)
Collocations
the continuance of [something]
|continuance of operations
|continuance of support
|continuance in office
|peaceful continuance
|for the continuance of [something]
Themes
time
|society
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The contract includes terms for the continuance of service after the first year.
- His reelection ensured the continuance of the current economic policies.
- The charity depends on the continuance of public donations.
- They argued that strict laws are necessary for the continuance of public order.
- The report expressed concern about the continuance of violence in the region.
Learner examples
- The company needs money for the continuance of its work.
- Her win meant the continuance of her time as president.
- The school depends on the continuance of help from parents.
- We all hope for the continuance of peace in our country.
- The continuance of the project will help many people.
Noun
technical
C2
event
2
court-ordered delay of a case
In a court, an official delay that moves a trial or hearing to a later day.
Usage pattern:
to grant/deny a continuance in [case]
Common mistake:
Learners may think "continuance" in legal use means the case is continuing, but it actually means the case is delayed to a later date. Do not use it for non-legal delays (use "delay" or "postponement" instead).
Synonyms
postponement (General word for delaying something; not limited to legal contexts.)
|
adjournment (Another legal term, but more often refers to pausing or suspending a meeting or court session rather than rescheduling the whole case.)
Antonyms
hearing (Refers to the legal proceeding actually taking place instead of being delayed.)
|
trial (The court process going forward as scheduled, the opposite of postponing it.)
Collocations
grant a continuance
|deny a continuance
|request a continuance
|motion for a continuance
|seek a continuance
|oppose a continuance
Themes
law
|government
|time
Examples
- The defense requested a continuance to prepare new evidence.
- The judge denied their motion for a continuance and ordered the trial to begin on Monday.
- Due to the sudden illness of a key witness, the court granted a two-week continuance.
- Both parties agreed to a continuance so they could attempt a settlement.
- Her lawyer asked for a continuance because he had another case scheduled the same day.
Learner examples
- The lawyer asked the judge for a continuance.
- The judge did not give a continuance, so the trial started on time.
- Because the witness was sick, the court gave a continuance.
- They wanted a continuance to find more information.
- The continuance moved the hearing to next month.
Grammar
Dictionary form
continuance
IPA
GB/kəntˈɪnjuəns/
US/kəntˈɪnjuəns/
Syllables & stress
con - tinu - ance (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tinu)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: continuance
- Plural: continuance, continuances
Word family
Forms
continuances
noun
Core family
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
continuum
noun
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.