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Permanent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'permanent'

Main points about word origin

  • 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'.

The word 'permanent' originated from the Latin word 'permanens', which is the present participle of 'manēre' meaning 'to remain'. The concept of permanent has been valued throughout history, from ancient civilizations to modern times, as a symbol of stability and endurance.

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.