Perpetuating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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perpetuating

[pərˈpɛtʃuˌeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

continuing

To perpetuate means to cause something to continue indefinitely, often by maintaining a particular situation or condition. It can also refer to preserving or prolonging something, especially a belief, culture, or tradition.

Synonyms

continue, maintain, preserve, prolong, sustain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perpetuating	Used when something is causing a negative situation to continue indefinitely. Often has a negative connotation. His actions are perpetuating the problem The myths perpetuated by society hinder progress
maintain	Used when speaking about keeping something in a particular state or condition. Neutral tone. They maintain the garden so well She tries to maintain a positive attitude
sustain	Used when referring to keeping something going over time, often with effort or difficulty. Neutral tone. She was able to sustain her performance throughout the year The company needs to sustain its growth
continue	Used for something that remains in progress without stopping. Neutral tone. The meeting will continue after lunch He continued to work on his project
preserve	Used when referring to keeping something in its original state, especially when it is valuable or important. We must preserve our cultural heritage He works hard to preserve his family's traditions
prolong	Used when speaking about extending the duration of something. Can sometimes have a slight negative connotation. His speech prolonged the meeting They took measures to prolong the shelf life of the product

Examples of usage

He perpetuated the false idea that she was to blame.
The government's policies perpetuate social inequality.
She perpetuated the family tradition of baking homemade pies.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

supporting

To perpetuate can also mean to support or uphold something, typically a belief or idea, in a way that helps it to survive or endure.

Synonyms

advocate, back, endorse, promote, uphold.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
perpetuating	This word is often used in a negative context and means to make something continue indefinitely, particularly something undesirable. The media has been perpetuating harmful stereotypes. By not addressing these issues, we are perpetuating the problem.
uphold	Used to maintain or support, especially in the context of principles, laws, or moral values. The court decided to uphold the previous ruling. We must uphold the values of democracy.
endorse	Typically used to show formal approval or support for a person, product, or cause, often in a public manner. Several celebrities endorse this product. The mayor has endorsed the new policy.
back	Informal term used to show support, often financial or with other resources, for an initiative or person. Several investors have decided to back the startup. I back her decision to change careers.
promote	Used when supporting or encouraging the progress or growth of a cause, idea, or product. They promote wellness through community programs. The company plans to promote their new line of products.
advocate	Used when actively supporting or arguing for a cause, policy, or group. She is an advocate for equal rights. They advocate for environmental conservation.

Examples of usage

The organization is dedicated to perpetuating the values of democracy.
His actions perpetuated the notion of freedom and equality.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Context

Traditions often involve perpetuating stories, values, and practices from one generation to the next.
In some cultures, perpetuating languages is crucial for cultural identity and community cohesion.
Media plays a significant role in perpetuating societal norms and behaviors through representation.

Education

Perpetuating a learning environment focuses on continuous growth and improvement.
Educational reforms aim to stop the cycle of underachievement by perpetuating effective teaching methods.
Creating habits in students can lead to perpetuating a love for learning throughout their lives.

Psychology

Behavioral patterns can be perpetuated through reinforcement, often leading to habitual actions.
Exploring how trauma can perpetuate negative cycles in families is a key focus in psychology.
Mindsets can be perpetuated by social influences, affecting individual behavior and thought processes.

Environmental Issues

Certain practices in industries may perpetuate environmental damage, like pollution and deforestation.
Perpetuating sustainable practices can help combat climate change for future generations.
Community initiatives often aim at perpetuating awareness of environmental conservation.

Origin of 'perpetuating'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'perpetuare', meaning to make something last throughout time.
It's formed from 'perpetuus', which means 'perpetual' or 'endless'.
The early usage of the term dates back to the 15th century.

The word 'perpetuate' comes from the Latin word 'perpetuatus', which is the past participle of 'perpetuare', meaning 'to continue without interruption'. The concept of perpetuating something has been present throughout history, whether it be traditions, beliefs, or ideologies. By perpetuating certain practices or ideas, societies aim to maintain continuity and stability over time.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,065, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17062 cuticle
17063 sponges
17064 anaesthetic
17065 perpetuating
17066 navigator
17067 deuterium
17068 distaste
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