Carry on Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Use 'carry on' to express determination to continue despite difficulties. She had to carry on studying, even after the lights went out. Pro Tip 2/3Encouragement 'Carry on' is often used to encourage someone to proceed with an action. After the interruption, the teacher told the student to carry on answering. Pro Tip 3/3With Activities Combine 'carry on' with gerunds when referring to continue doing an activity. They want to carry on dancing all night long.