Permanently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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permanently

[ˈpɜːmənəntli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a lasting and enduring manner

Permanently means in a way that lasts or remains unchanged indefinitely. It indicates a state or condition that is not temporary or fleeting.

Synonyms

endlessly, eternally, forever, indefinitely.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permanently

Used when something is meant to last for an unlimited period of time without change.

  • The decision to close the school was made permanently.
  • He was permanently banned from the forum.
endlessly

Refers to something that seems to go on without stopping and often has a negative connotation.

  • The road seemed to stretch endlessly into the horizon.
  • She talked endlessly about her problems.
eternally

Refers to something that exists without a beginning or an end. Often used in a religious or poetic context.

  • They vowed to love each other eternally.
  • His name will be remembered eternally.
forever

Indicates an infinite or very long duration. Commonly used in everyday speech.

  • I will treasure these memories forever.
  • The city seemed like it would last forever.
indefinitely

Describes something that will continue for an unspecified period of time. It may or may not end eventually.

  • The meeting has been postponed indefinitely.
  • The store will remain open indefinitely.

Examples of usage

  • He decided to permanently move to the countryside.
  • The tattoo was permanently inked on his arm.
  • She wanted the changes to be permanently implemented.
Context #2 | Adjective

lasting for a long time or indefinitely

When something is described as permanently, it means that it will exist or remain for an extended period, without any expectation of change or termination.

Synonyms

enduring, irreversible, lasting, unchangeable.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
permanently

Used when describing something that will remain unchanged indefinitely. Often used in formal or legal contexts.

  • He was permanently banned from entering the casino.
  • The tattoo will be permanently on your skin.
enduring

Describes something that lasts for a long time, often despite difficulties. Can have a positive connotation.

  • Their enduring friendship has lasted for decades.
  • The enduring beauty of the landscape attracts visitors every year.
lasting

Indicates something that continues to exist for a long period. Suitable for both positive and neutral contexts.

  • Their efforts had a lasting impact on the community.
  • The lasting scent of the perfume was impressive.
unchangeable

Used when something cannot be altered or modified. Often has a sense of finality.

  • The terms of the contract are unchangeable.
  • Her decision was unchangeable, no matter what he said.
irreversible

Used for actions or changes that cannot be undone. Often has a serious or negative connotation.

  • Climate change may have irreversible effects on the planet.
  • The surgery resulted in irreversible blindness.

Examples of usage

  • The damage to the building was permanently visible.
  • Her decision to resign was permanently affecting the team.
  • The memory of that day was permanently etched in his mind.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Making permanent choices can create psychological stress, as people often fear missing out on better options.
  • Studies indicate that when individuals commit to permanent choices, they tend to feel a heightened sense of responsibility for those decisions.
  • Research shows that having permanent outcomes, like marriage or career choice, influences a person's identity and self-perception.

Art

  • In art, permanent media, such as oil paints, have been used for centuries due to their long-lasting qualities.
  • Street art and graffiti often face the challenge of being made permanent, as many pieces are at risk of being removed or destroyed.
  • Installations like murals aim to create a lasting impact on the community, emphasizing the concept of permanence in urban art.

Science

  • In chemistry, some bonds are termed 'permanent' if they do not carry the potential for reversible reactions.
  • In ecological discussions, species extinction can be permanent, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
  • Certain materials, like concrete, are engineered to be permanent in construction, contributing to human infrastructure for generations.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures have various rituals that signify permanent commitments, such as weddings with personalized vows.
  • In some Eastern philosophies, the idea of permanence is considered an illusion, emphasizing the impermanence of life.
  • Permanent artworks or monuments often reflect cultural values and historical significance, standing the test of time in public spaces.

Origin of 'permanently'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'permanere', which means 'to remain' or 'to stay through'.
  • It started being used in the English language around the 15th century.
  • The prefix 'per-' means through or for all, and 'manere' means to stay.

The word 'permanently' originated from the Latin word 'permanens', which means 'remaining to the end'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of permanence has been a significant aspect of human societies, reflecting the desire for stability and continuity in various aspects of life.


See also: impermanent.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,849, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.