Contiguous and continuous are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Contiguous means two or more things that are touching or share a common boundary. In contrast, continuous means something that doesn’t stop or is uninterrupted.
Examples of Contiguous:
The continental United States is a perfect example of contiguous. All forty-eight states touch and share a common boundary without any gaps. Alaska, however, is not a contiguous state because Canada separates it from the mainland of the forty-eight states. Another example could be a row of houses that are touching each other, or a person standing shoulder-to-shoulder with another person.
Examples of Continuous:
If something continues, it means it keeps going without stopping or with interruptions. For instance, a dripping faucet creates a continuous sound throughout the night. A person who works for eight hours straight without taking a break has continuous work hours.
The word contiguous comes from the Latin word contiguus, which means bordering or touching. It’s essential to distinguish between contiguous and continuous, especially when describing geographic locations or computer technology.
Contiguous and Computer Technology:
When it comes to computer technology, contiguous refers to sectors on a hard disk that are adjacent to each other. When data is written to a hard disk and there is enough space, the information is written contiguously. If there isn’t enough space, the data is written to multiple locations on the hard disk, creating fragmentation.
Conclusion:
Contiguous and continuous are different words with different meanings. Contiguous means touching or sharing a common boundary, while continuous means uninterrupted or without stopping. Paying attention to the difference between the two words can help us communicate more accurately and avoid confusion.
FAQ:
What is the difference between contiguous and continuous?
Contiguous describes things that are physically adjacent or share a common boundary, while continuous means something that doesn’t stop or is uninterrupted.
Where does the word contiguous come from?
The word contiguous derives from the Latin word contiguus, meaning touching or bordering each other.
How are contiguous and computer technology related?
In computer technology, contiguous refers to sectors on a hard disk that are adjacent to each other.
Final Thoughts:
Contiguous and continuous have distinct meanings, and it’s crucial to use them precisely, depending on the context. Being mindful of the difference between these two words can help us be more precise in our communication.
