English Reference
Adverb

eternally

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US /iˈtɝnəɫi/ UK /ɪtˈɜːnəli/ eter·nal·ly

adv.forever or for a very long time. You use this to describe something that never seems to end.

adv.in a way that continues forever or is perceived as never-ending.


SIMPLE

She is eternally grateful for your help.

CONTEXTUAL

The two nations seem eternally locked in a dispute over the small island territory.

COMPLEX

The poet describes the stars as eternally watching over the silent valley, suggesting a sense of permanence that contrasts with the brief lives of humans.

Usage

Often used figuratively to emphasize that a feeling or situation feels permanent.


From Middle English eternally, eternaly; equivalent to eternal + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English eternally
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated