# eternal

/iˈtɝnəɫ/ (US) · /ɪtˈɜːnəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eternal
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. lasting forever

adjective · CEFR B2

lasting forever; having no beginning and no end.

For teachers: lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.

- The poet wrote about his eternal love for his wife.
- Ancient philosophers often debated whether the universe was eternal or if it had a specific moment of creation.

### 2. outside of time

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

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

- In many religions, the soul is considered eternal and does not age.
- Theologians distinguish between the eternal nature of the divine and the temporal existence of humanity.

### 3. constant or annoying

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- I am tired of their eternal arguments about who should wash the dishes.
- The project was delayed by the eternal bureaucracy of the local government, with every form requiring multiple signatures.

### 4. an immortal being

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

someone or something that lives forever.

For teachers: a being that is immortal or exists forever.

- The old legends tell stories of the eternals who watched over the forest.
- In the epic poem, the protagonist seeks the wisdom of the eternals to understand the fate of his kingdom.

## Examples

- The poet promised her eternal love.
- Many religions teach that the soul is eternal and continues to exist after the physical body dies.
- The philosopher argued that while physical objects are subject to decay, mathematical truths possess an eternal quality that remains unaffected by the passage of time.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.