What is the Continuum?

The continuum is a range or series in which one part may be distinguished from the next only by a slight change.

Kids fall on a continuum from “suck” to “better.” So does a twitch or a slap.

Whether it’s a spectrum or a line, a continuum is a range that has a clear beginning and end but with a slight variation between each distinct point. A few examples of a continuum:

In relativity theory, the past and future are a continuous line in space-time.

A continuum of care can help people get back on their feet after a crisis or injury. It can also keep them safe in the community or hospital and help them return home.

Gender is a continuum that includes a wide range of possibilities. The same is true for race, religion and nationality.

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