Perpetuate: meaning, definitions and examples

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perpetuate

 

[pərˈpetʃueɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

continue existence

To perpetuate means to cause something to continue or last indefinitely. It often refers to the preservation of an idea, custom, or situation, allowing it to endure through time.

Synonyms

carry on, maintain, preserve, sustain.

Examples of usage

  • The organization works to perpetuate local traditions.
  • Efforts to perpetuate cultural heritage are vital.
  • Their actions may inadvertently perpetuate the issue.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'perpetuare', which means 'to make permanent' or 'to last throughout'.
  • The root of the word, 'perpetuus', means 'continuous' or 'never-ending' in Latin, indicating a sense of ongoing existence.
  • The first known use of 'perpetuate' in English dates back to the early 15th century.

Culture

  • In literature, the plot often revolves around themes that perpetuate certain ideas or morals, influencing readers long after the story ends.
  • Many societies celebrate traditions that perpetuate their cultural heritage, passing down customs from generation to generation.
  • Art can also perpetuate feelings and memories, where a painting may evoke emotions long after an artist is gone.

Science

  • In genetics, some traits are perpetuated through generations due to inheritance patterns.
  • Ecologists study how behaviors or characteristics in animals can perpetuate populations and influence survival.
  • The study of renewable energy focuses on techniques that perpetuate sustainable practices, allowing resources to last longer.

Psychology

  • Certain beliefs can be perpetuated through social influences and peer groups, shaping an individual’s worldview over time.
  • Childhood experiences can perpetuate psychological patterns that affect an individual's behavior in adulthood.
  • Repetition in learning helps perpetuate knowledge, making it easier to remember information later.

History

  • Historical narratives are often perpetuated through education, influencing how future generations view their past.
  • Some events are remembered and perpetuated in society to promote a sense of identity or to honor significant figures.
  • Various movements and ideologies are perpetuated in political discourse, impacting legislation and societal norms today.

Translations

Translations of the word "perpetuate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perpetuar

🇮🇳 स्थायी बनाना

🇩🇪 verewigen

🇮🇩 mengekalkan

🇺🇦 увічнювати

🇵🇱 utrwalać

🇯🇵 永続させる

🇫🇷 pérenniser

🇪🇸 perpetuar

🇹🇷 sürdürülebilir hale getirmek

🇰🇷 영속시키다

🇸🇦 يخلد

🇨🇿 uchovávat

🇸🇰 zachovávať

🇨🇳 延续

🇸🇮 ohraniti

🇮🇸 varðveita

🇰🇿 мәңгілік ету

🇬🇪 დასახლებულება

🇦🇿 daimi etmək

🇲🇽 perpetuar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,735, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.