forever
adv. · adj.-
1 for all time (adv.) B1 Intermediatefor all time, without ever ending.
for an infinite duration or for all eternity. Not comparable.
ExampleThey promised to love each other forever during their wedding ceremony.
ExampleThe ancient ruins seemed as though they would stand forever, defying the erosion of time and the elements.
- eternally
- evermore
- permanently
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2 a very long time (adv.) B1 Intermediate Informala way to say something is taking much longer than you expected.
used colloquially to express an excessive or seemingly infinite duration of time.
ExampleWe waited forever for the bus to arrive in the rain.
ExampleThe download took forever because the office network was struggling under the weight of several simultaneous updates.
- ages
- an eternity
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3 constantly (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediatehappening all the time, especially in an annoying way.
continually or persistently; often used with the present continuous to express habitual or irritating actions.
ExampleHe is forever losing his keys just when we need to leave.
ExampleThe manager was forever complaining about the lack of resources, yet he consistently rejected every proposal for budget increases.
UsageOften used with the present continuous tense to show annoyance.
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4 permanent (adj.) C1 Advanced Informallasting for a long time or meant to be permanent.
denoting a state of permanence or long-term commitment. Often used in specific social contexts like pet adoption.
ExampleThe rescue center is looking for a forever home for this puppy.
ExampleThe couple finally found their forever house, a quiet cottage far removed from the noise of the city.
Univerbation of for ever, from Middle English for ever, for evere. By surface analysis, for + ever. First attested in the late 14c., and first attested in the late 17c. as one word. Noun first attested in 1858.