perpetual
gb/pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl/ us/pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl/
B2
English
~ 3700
állandó, határozatlan idejű, örökös
B2
1
állandó
A2
Usage pattern:
[something] is perpetual
The region is known for its perpetual sunshine.
A régió az állandó napsütéséről ismert.
She lived in a state of perpetual fear after the incident.
Az eset után állandó félelemben élt.
The two countries have been in perpetual conflict for decades.
His perpetual lateness annoyed his coworkers.
They were trapped in a perpetual cycle of debt.
Learner examples
The city has perpetual noise from traffic.
A városban állandó a közlekedési zaj.
We have perpetual rain in winter.
Télen nálunk állandóan esik az eső.
He is in perpetual trouble at school.
The machines work in perpetual motion.
She has a perpetual smile on her face.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'perpetual' with 'frequent'. 'Perpetual' means it never stops, not just that it happens often.
Meaning
Never-ending or continuous
Collocations
perpetual motion
|perpetual cycle
|perpetual darkness
|perpetual conflict
|perpetual change
Synonyms
continuous (Implies ongoing action or state without breaks, similar in meaning but slightly less formal.)
|
everlasting (Emphasizes lasting forever, often with a poetic tone.)
Antonyms
temporary (Implies lasting only for a short time, opposite of ongoing.)
Themes
time
|nature
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening all the time without stopping.
Continuing indefinitely without interruption or end.
C1
FORMAL
2
Usage pattern:
[something] is perpetual
They were granted perpetual rights to the land.
Örökös jogokat kaptak a földterületre.
The university established a fund for the perpetual support of scholarships.
Az egyetem alapot hozott létre az ösztöndíjak állandó támogatására.
He holds a perpetual position on the committee.
Learner examples
We have a perpetual right to use this road.
Határozatlan időre szóló jogunk van ennek az útnak a használatára.
She has a perpetual job at the company.
Állandó állása van a cégnél.
The museum has a perpetual collection of art.
Meaning
Permanent or unchanging
Collocations
perpetual license
|perpetual contract
|perpetual ownership
Synonyms
permanent (Common and neutral term for something not intended to change.)
Antonyms
temporary (Opposite in meaning: lasting for a short time.)
Themes
law
|society
|business
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Lasting forever without changing.
Lasting for an unlimited period without change or end, especially referring to rights, positions, or conditions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
perpetual
IPA
GB/pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl/
US/pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl/
Syllables & stress
per - petu - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (per)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: perpetual
Word family
Core family
perpetually
adverb B2
perpetuate
verb C1
Related words
perpetuation
noun
Negative and opposite forms
temporary
adjective A2
Advanced or less common
perpetuity
noun
Expressions
in a perpetual state of [something]
1/ˈɪn ə pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl stˈeɪt əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Always in a certain condition
Always being in the same situation or feeling.
Examples
- He is in a perpetual state of confusion.
- The country was in a perpetual state of unrest.
perpetual motion
1/pɚpˈɛt͡ʃuəl mˈoʊʃən/
fixed phrase
Movement that never stops
Movement that goes on forever without needing more power (in theory).
Examples
- Scientists say perpetual motion is impossible under current physical laws.
- The fan seemed like it was in perpetual motion.