# continue

> English word · Verb · IPA /kənˈtɪn.juː/ · frequency rank #865

## Definitions
1. To proceed with (doing an activity); to prolong (an activity).
2. To make last; to prolong.
3. To retain (someone or something) in a given state, position, etc.
4. To remain in a given place or condition; to remain in connection with; to abide; to stay.
5. To resume.
6. To adjourn, prorogue, put off.
7. To make a continuation bet.

## Etymology
From Middle English continuen, from Old French continuer, from Latin continuāre. Displaced native Middle English thurghwonen, from Old English þurhwunian.

## Easily confused with
- **convince** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/continue-vs-convince)
- **continued** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/continue-vs-continued)
- **continues** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/continue-vs-continues)
- **continuum** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/continue-vs-continuum)
- **confine** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/confine-vs-continue)
- **continual** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/continual-vs-continue)

## Common misspellings (11)
`ccontinue`, `cnotinue`, `conitnue`, `conntinue`, `contineu`, `continnue`, `contiune`, `contniue`, `conttinue`, `cotninue`, `ocntinue`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/continue