continuance

Everyday

1. (formal) The state of going on or lasting; continuing: «the continuance of the old custom». tree →
2. (law, mainly US) A delay of a court case to a later time, asked for by one side. tree →

In the lessons

A stiff, formal word met in older books, speeches and legal news. In everyday talk people say «continuing» or «carrying on». Phrases: «the continuance of», «ask for a continuance» (law, US). It tells the reader that something is carrying on, or in law that a case is put off.

Examples

• The villagers hoped for the continuance of the old harvest fair. tree →
• The club's continuance depends on new members joining. tree →
• The lawyer asked the judge for a continuance. tree →
• The judge granted a continuance so the witness could arrive. tree →
• The continuance of peace was all the people wanted. tree →
• Money from the cake sale ensured the continuance of the library. tree →
• In conclusion, the gods were invoked for a continuance of their favour, and when the service was ended a feast was held. tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable, though in the law sense «a continuance». Close words: «continuation» (the next part, or carrying on), «continuity» (staying the same without breaks). In everyday English «continuation» is far more common.

In Jewish tradition

Means lasting a long time, said of plagues. In the primary lessons: A stiff, formal word met in older books, speeches and legal news. In everyday talk people say «continuing» or «carrying on». Phrases: «the continuance of», «ask for a continuance» (law, US). It tells the reader that something is carrying on, or in law that a case is put off.

Examples

• then the LORD will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. (Torah DEU.28.59, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Mostly uncountable, though in the law sense «a continuance». Close words: «continuation» (the next part, or carrying on), «continuity» (staying the same without breaks). In everyday English «continuation» is far more common.