eternal
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.lasting forever; having no beginning and no end.
adj.lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.
Simple“The poet wrote about his eternal love for his wife.”
In context“Ancient philosophers often debated whether the universe was eternal or if it had a specific moment of creation.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
adj.existing outside of time rather than just lasting a long time.
adj.existing outside of the flow of time; often contrasted with 'sempiternal' in theological or philosophical contexts.
Simple“In many religions, the soul is considered eternal and does not age.”
In context“Theologians distinguish between the eternal nature of the divine and the temporal existence of humanity.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.happening all the time in a way that is boring or annoying.
adj.seeming to last forever due to constant repetition or persistence; often used to express frustration.
Simple“I am tired of their eternal arguments about who should wash the dishes.”
In context“The project was delayed by the eternal bureaucracy of the local government, with every form requiring multiple signatures.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.someone or something that lives forever.
n.a being that is immortal or exists forever.
Simple“The old legends tell stories of the eternals who watched over the forest.”
In context“In the epic poem, the protagonist seeks the wisdom of the eternals to understand the fate of his kingdom.”
“It’s the eternal energy of London, written on skin and flesh; rage and laughter, smiles and tears.”
“Society’s needs always change, while many foundations’ missions are intended to satisfy a specific need that’s not eternal.”
From Middle English eternal, from Old French eternal, from Late Latin aeternālis, from Latin aeternus (“eternal”), from aevum (“age”). Displaced native Old English ēċe.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.