1. A continuous speech recognition apparatus comprising: input pattern output means for outputting a signal corresponding to continuously uttered speech as an input pattern; reference pattern output means for outputting a plurality of connected reference patterns obtained by connecting previously prepared reference patterns; start vicinity setting means for setting a start vicinity of said input pattern; first dissimilarity measure calculating means for calculating a first dissimilarity measure between said input pattern and said reference pattern, proportional to the time length of said reference pattern in a portion for a head word of said input pattern; and second dissimilarity measure calculating means for calculating a second dissimilarity measure proportional to the time length of said input pattern from a temporary start point on the basis of said first dissimilarity measure, said temporary start point ranging within said start vicinity.