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Permanent: meaning, definitions and examples

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permanent

 

[ˈpɜːmənənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

job security

Lasting or intended to last for a long time; enduring.

Synonyms

constant, enduring, lasting, stable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permanent

Used when something is intended to last forever or for a very long time without change.

  • He got a permanent job position
  • She has a permanent resident status in the country
lasting

Refers to something that continues to exist or have an effect for a long time.

  • The ceremony left a lasting impression
  • They achieved lasting peace after years of conflict
enduring

Describes something that lasts for a long time, often through difficult conditions, suggesting a sense of resilience.

  • Their enduring friendship survived many challenges
  • This enduring monument has stood the test of time
constant

Refers to something that remains the same over a period of time, often describing an uninterrupted or continuous nature.

  • He is in constant pain
  • The task requires constant attention
stable

Describes something that is steady and not likely to change or fail, often used in situations requiring reliability.

  • The patient is in stable condition
  • They need a stable income to support their family

Examples of usage

  • He was offered a permanent position at the company.
  • She wanted a permanent solution to the problem.
Context #2 | Noun

hair styling

A method of curling the hair that lasts a long time.

Synonyms

perm, permanent wave.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permanent

Use 'permanent' when referring to something that is intended to last indefinitely or for a long time without changing. It can be used in both formal and informal settings to describe situations, decisions, or changes that are not temporary.

  • The company made a permanent decision to switch to remote work.
  • She got a permanent tattoo on her wrist.
perm

Use 'perm' in the context of hairstyling. It is a short term for 'permanent wave', and is commonly used informally when talking about hair that has been chemically treated to create waves or curls that last for a prolonged period.

  • She decided to get a perm for the summer.
  • His perm looks really stylish and suits him well.
permanent wave

Use 'permanent wave' in a more formal or technical context to describe the hairstyling process that involves treating the hair to have curls or waves that last for a long time. This term might be used in beauty salons or in discussions with hairstylists.

  • The stylist recommended a permanent wave to add volume to her hair.
  • She scheduled an appointment for a permanent wave at the salon.

Examples of usage

  • She got a permanent at the salon for her special event.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'permanens', which means 'staying through' or 'enduring'.
  • It first appeared in English around the 16th century, emphasizing something that remains unchanged.
  • The prefix 'per-' suggests completeness, while '-manent' relates to 'to remain'.

Art and Culture

  • In art, permanent works, such as sculptures or murals, are intended to last for generations, contrasting with temporary installations like sand sculptures.
  • The idea of permanence is often explored in literature, where characters face challenges of irreversible decisions.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the term is often used to describe mindsets; for instance, a 'fixed mindset' believes that abilities are permanent traits.
  • Studies indicate that people who see traits as permanent may face challenges in adapting to new situations or learning.

Science

  • In the context of materials, permanent substances, like certain plastics and metals, are designed to avoid degradation or alteration.
  • The concept of permanent magnets illustrates how certain materials can maintain a consistent magnetic field indefinitely.

Technology

  • The rise of cloud storage has introduced the concept of 'permanent' data, where information is stored virtually and ideally never deleted.
  • In software, permanent changes to a program often require substantial testing to ensure that updates don’t mistakenly alter intended functions.

Translations

Translations of the word "permanent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 permanente

🇮🇳 स्थायी

🇩🇪 permanent

🇮🇩 permanen

🇺🇦 постійний

🇵🇱 stały

🇯🇵 永続的な

🇫🇷 permanent

🇪🇸 permanente

🇹🇷 kalıcı

🇰🇷 영구적인

🇸🇦 دائم

🇨🇿 trvalý

🇸🇰 trvalý

🇨🇳 永久的

🇸🇮 trajen

🇮🇸 varanlegur

🇰🇿 тұрақты

🇬🇪 მუდმივი

🇦🇿 daimi

🇲🇽 permanente

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,435, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.