Perpetuate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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perpetuate
[pərˈpetʃueɪt ]
Definition
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.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'perpetuate'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'perpetuate' originated from the Latin word 'perpetuare', which means 'to make perpetual', derived from 'perpetuus' meaning 'continuous' or 'uninterrupted'. The use of 'perpetuate' in English dates back to the early 17th century. In its early usage, it primarily referred to the action of making something eternal or everlasting. Over time, the application of the term has expanded to encompass various contexts, including social, cultural, and environmental preservation. The evolution of its meaning reflects the changing attitudes towards continuity and legacy in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing the desire to sustain what is valuable for future generations.