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eternal

adj. · n.
US //iˈtɝnəɫ// UK //ɪtˈɜːnəl// eter·nal
  1. 1 lasting forever (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    lasting forever; having no beginning and no end.

    lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.

    Example

    The poet wrote about his eternal love for his wife.

    Example

    Ancient philosophers often debated whether the universe was eternal or if it had a specific moment of creation.
  2. 2 outside of time (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal Religion

    existing outside of time rather than just lasting a long time.

    existing outside of the flow of time; often contrasted with 'sempiternal' in theological or philosophical contexts.

    Example

    In many religions, the soul is considered eternal and does not age.

    Example

    Theologians distinguish between the eternal nature of the divine and the temporal existence of humanity.
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  1. 3 constant or annoying (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    happening all the time in a way that is boring or annoying.

    seeming to last forever due to constant repetition or persistence; often used to express frustration.

    Example

    I am tired of their eternal arguments about who should wash the dishes.

    Example

    The project was delayed by the eternal bureaucracy of the local government, with every form requiring multiple signatures.
  2. 4 an immortal being (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    someone or something that lives forever.

    a being that is immortal or exists forever.

    Example

    The old legends tell stories of the eternals who watched over the forest.

    Example

    In the epic poem, the protagonist seeks the wisdom of the eternals to understand the fate of his kingdom.
Origin

From Middle English eternal, from Old French eternal, from Late Latin aeternālis, from Latin aeternus (“eternal”), from aevum (“age”). Displaced native Old English ēċe.

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