perpetual
pur-PEH-choo-ul
/pərˈpɛtʃuəl/
Never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly so frequent as to seem endless.
Often carries a slight tone of annoyance when describing repetitive actions (e.g., perpetual interruptions), but can also describe mechanical or natural cycles.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'perpetuus' meant 'continuous' or 'uninterrupted.' It literally describes the act of 'seeking through' or 'going through' without stopping. It was often used in Roman law to describe offices or rights that were held for life.
Word relationships
- ceaseless: Ceaseless emphasizes the lack of any pause, while perpetual emphasizes the lack of an end date.
- incessant: Incessant is almost always negative, used for things like noise or rain.
- intermittent: Intermittent describes something that stops and starts at irregular intervals.
- temporary: Temporary describes something intended to last only for a limited time.
Commonly confused with
- perennial: Perennial usually refers to things that return year after year (like flowers), while perpetual is continuous.
Word family
- perpetuate (verb): To make something continue indefinitely.
- perpetuity (noun): A state of continuing forever.
Collocations
- perpetual motion
- perpetual fear
- perpetual calendar
- perpetual student
Example sentences
- "The concept of a perpetual motion machine—a device that works indefinitely without an energy source—is considered impossible by the laws of thermodynamics." Science
- "The two nations seemed locked in a state of perpetual warfare, with brief truces only serving as preparation for the next conflict." History
Memory hook
Think of a 'pet' that 'perpetually' asks for food—it never stops! Perpetual = Proceeding forever.
When not to use
Don't use it to describe a single, static state; it implies a process or motion that continues.
Fun facts
- A 'perpetual bond' is a fixed income security with no maturity date, meaning it pays interest forever.
Related words
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