Forever: meaning, definitions and examples

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forever

[fəˈrɛvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

always

For all future time; for always.

Synonyms

always, eternally, permanently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forever	Used to express an endless amount of time, often in informal or emotional language, such as between friends or loved ones. I'll love you forever. This moment will stay with me forever.
always	Used to indicate something that occurs at all times or on all occasions, often in habitual or repeated actions. She always takes the bus to work. I will always remember your kindness.
eternally	Used in more formal or poetic contexts to describe endless time or a timeless state, often with a sense of grandeur. Their love will be eternally remembered. He is eternally grateful for their support.
permanently	Used to convey that something is meant to last an indefinite period of time without changing, often in practical or formal settings. The scar will remain permanently. She found a job that she hopes will become permanent.

Examples of usage

They promised to love each other forever.
I will cherish these memories forever.
She will be in our hearts forever.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

for a very long or seemingly endless time

For a very long time; indefinitely.

Synonyms

endlessly, incessantly, infinitely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
forever	Used to describe something that lasts for an unlimited or long period of time, often seen in romantic or dramatic contexts. I will love you forever This memory will stay with me forever
endlessly	Used to describe an action or situation that continues without stopping, often implying it can become tiresome or monotonous. The road stretched endlessly into the distance She can talk about her favorite books endlessly
infinitely	Used to describe something with no limits or bounds, often in abstract or grandiose contexts. The universe is infinitely large She has infinitely more patience than I do
incessantly	Used to describe something that continues without pause or interruption, often in an annoying or exasperating way. The baby cried incessantly throughout the night The neighbors' dog barks incessantly

Examples of usage

We had to wait forever for the bus.
It took forever to finish the project.
The line at the store seemed to stretch on forever.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'for evere,' where 'for' means 'for' and 'evere' means 'always'.
It has roots in Old English 'āfre,' which means 'always' or 'ever'.
The concept reflects ancient ideas of infinity and permanence found in cultures worldwide.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussed the idea of eternity, exploring what it means for something to exist without time.
The notion of forever raises questions about the nature of time and existence in various philosophical traditions.
Many cultures see forever as a characteristic of divine beings, implying that only gods can exist outside the limits of time.

Literature

In Shakespeare’s works, characters often express their love or loyalty with the promise of forever, highlighting its emotional weight.
Poets frequently use the idea of forever to describe feelings, showing how love and memory persist beyond time.
Classic literature often explores the fleeting nature of time, contrasting with the notion of everlasting moments.

Pop Culture

Songs like 'I Will Always Love You' capture the essence of forever in romantic relationships.
In movies, the concept of forever is often tied to love stories, where characters vow to be together no matter what.
The phrase 'forever and a day' has become popular in media to enhance promises of eternal dedication.

Science

In physics, the concept of 'forever' challenges our understanding of time, particularly regarding the universe's lifespan.
Theories of eternity in cosmology explore whether the universe is timeless or has an 'end' at some point.
Biologically, humans are fascinated by how memories and legacies can seem to last forever despite our physical existence being temporary.

Translations

Translations of the word "forever" in other languages:

🇵🇹 para sempre

🇮🇳 हमेशा के लिए

🇩🇪 für immer

🇮🇩 selamanya

🇺🇦 назавжди

🇵🇱 na zawsze

🇯🇵 永遠に

🇫🇷 pour toujours

🇪🇸 para siempre

🇹🇷 sonsuz

🇰🇷 영원히

🇸🇦 إلى الأبد

🇨🇿 navždy

🇸🇰 navždy

🇨🇳 永远

🇸🇮 za vedno

🇮🇸 að eilífu

🇰🇿 мәңгі

🇬🇪 სამუდამოდ

🇦🇿 əbədi

🇲🇽 para siempre