# eternity

/iˈtɝnəti/ (US) · /ɪtˈɜːnɪti/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eternity
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. infinite time

noun · CEFR B2

time that has no beginning and no end.

For teachers: infinite or unending time; existence without beginning or end.

- The stars seemed to have been shining there for all eternity.
- The philosopher argued that the soul exists in a state of eternity, untouched by the linear progression of human history.

### 2. life after death

noun · CEFR B2

the time that continues forever after a person dies.

For teachers: the state of existence or the remainder of time that follows death.

- In many religions, people believe their souls will spend eternity in heaven.
- The poet reflected on the transition from a mortal life to the vast silence of eternity.

### 3. a very long time

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a period of time that feels much longer than it actually is because you are bored or waiting.

For teachers: a hyperbolic reference to a long duration, typically used to express impatience or boredom.

- I waited for the bus for what felt like an eternity in the rain.
- To the anxious candidate, the three minutes spent waiting for the interview results felt like a literal eternity.

## Examples

- The wait for the bus felt like an eternity.
- After the power went out, the few minutes spent searching for a flashlight felt like an eternity in the dark.
- Philosophers have long debated whether eternity implies a linear progression of infinite moments or a singular state where past, present, and future exist simultaneously.

---

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.