Continuously vs. Continually

Question

What is the difference in meaning?

continuously - continually

I know how they would translate into Spanish thanks to the dictionary here, but I still don't get the difference.

Answer 1

Off the top of my head I'd say the key here is the difference between constantly and intermittently, continuous activity is without pause, continually means repeatedly.

the wheel turns continuously=all the time

he continually interrupts= he keeps interrupting.

Let's see how others view it.

Good explanation. - fontanero, Oct 3, 2010

Answer 2

continually = regularly - repeatedly - again and again. Adverbs

continuous = uninterupted - ceaseless - incessant. Adjectives

Just add the "ly" to above to change the words from adjectives to adverbs.

Answer 3

• Continuous means joined without intervening space or time:proceding from something else without apparent interruption; Uninterrupted, Unbroken

• Continual does not imply unceasing continuity but the habitual and repeated renewals of an act, state etc.

• Continuously In a continuous manner; in continuation, without interruption. Like its adjective, continuously denotes unbroken continuity.

• Continually close succession

I did warn that my English grammar corrections would be by the rules and according to the official OED. Sorry if it seems pedantic and stilted by modern standards.

Answer 4

They are interchangeable when referring to something that goes on without interruption... but only continually can be used to describe a frequent occurrence (again and again)

he annoyed me continually/continuously/ and even constantly

he was continually annoying me throughout the seminar

Your example is not one of continuous action without interruption therefore I would suggest no interchange of meaning between the two words - MaureenPeters, Oct 3, 2010