Eternals Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eternals

[ɪˈtɜːrnlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

superhero movie

Eternals are a fictional race of superpowered beings in the Marvel universe, created by the Celestials. They are immortal and possess a wide range of abilities.

Synonyms

gods, immortals.

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Word Description / Examples
eternals

Used predominantly in the context of comic books, movies, or series featuring supernatural beings with immense power and endless lifespans.

  • The Eternals were tasked with protecting Earth from cosmic threats.
  • In the latest Marvel movie, the Eternals showcase their amazing abilities.
immortals

Commonly used to refer to beings that cannot die, often found in mythology, literature, or fantasy settings.

  • The immortals lived in a secret realm, hidden from the eyes of mortals.
  • According to the legend, the warrior drank from the fountain of youth and became immortal.
gods

Refers to supreme beings worshipped in various religions, myths, and cultures, often having divine powers.

  • In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus is considered the king of the gods.
  • Many cultures have gods responsible for different aspects of life such as the sun, sea, and agriculture.

Examples of usage

  • The Eternals have been protecting Earth from threats for thousands of years.
  • Ikaris is one of the most powerful Eternals.
Context #2 | Noun

time

Eternals refer to things that are timeless, everlasting, or eternal.

Synonyms

everlasting, timeless.

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Word Description / Examples
eternals

Used to describe beings or entities that exist outside of normal time limits, often in a mythological, religious, or fictional context.

  • The gods were considered the eternals, observing the world from their celestial realm
timeless

Refers to something that is unaffected by the passage of time, often used to describe art, fashion, beauty, or ideas that are just as relevant now as in the past.

  • The little black dress is a timeless piece of fashion that every woman should own
everlasting

Best used when describing something that endures indefinitely, often with a poetic or literary flair; can describe emotions, states, or even life itself.

  • She promised him her everlasting devotion, a love that would never fade

Examples of usage

  • The love between them was described as eternal.
  • The beauty of the sunset was truly eternal.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophical discussions, the concept of eternity often addresses the nature of time and existence.
  • Different cultures define eternity in various ways, viewing it as a limitless time span or a timeless state.
  • Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle debated about the eternal, contrasting it with the transient nature of physical things.

Religion

  • Many religions depict gods or afterlife concepts as eternal, emphasizing the everlasting nature of divine beings.
  • In Christianity, God is often described as eternal, existing beyond time and space.
  • Hinduism speaks of cycles of life and rebirth, suggesting that certain aspects of existence are eternal.

Literature

  • Eternal themes frequently appear in poetry and literature, exploring love, death, and the cosmos across cultures.
  • Shakespeare often wrote about time and eternity, expressing how beauty and love can transcend mortality.
  • The concept of eternal return, found in various literary works, proposes that time loops infinitely, emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence.

Pop Culture

  • In the Marvel Comics universe, 'Eternals' refers to a race of superhumans who have existed for thousands of years.
  • The 'Eternals' film (2021) introduced these characters, illustrating their struggles with immortality and their connection to humanity.
  • The idea of eternal youth has been a popular theme in movies, leading to stories about characters who are unable to age or die.

Origin of 'eternals'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'eternal' comes from the Latin 'eternalis,' which means 'without beginning or end.'
  • It is rooted in the Greek word ‘aionios,’ which refers to age or eternity.
  • The term evolved through Middle English as 'etern' before taking its modern form.

The word 'eternals' has its origin in the Latin word 'aeternus', meaning eternal or everlasting. The concept of immortality and eternity has been a fascinating topic in various mythologies and religions throughout history, often associated with gods and supernatural beings.


See also: eternally, eternity.