continuum.

A continuous range across which characteristics vary without sharp natural divisions.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• along a continuum
• continuum of views
• place on a continuum

On the page

Responses fell along a continuum from reluctant acceptance to active support.

The border settlements occupy different points on an urban-rural continuum.

Treating ability as a continuum avoids an arbitrary competent-or-incompetent divide.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic. Often contrasted with fixed categories. A continuum does not require every position to be equally common. Plurals continua and continuums are both established. Singular: continuum; plurals: continua and continuums.