English Reference
Noun

permanence

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈpɝmənəns/ UK /pˈɜːmənəns/ per·ma·nence UK spelling permanences Physics

n.the quality of lasting for a very long time or forever. You use this to describe things that do not change or disappear easily.

n.the state or quality of being permanent; enduring for an indefinitely long period. Often used in technical contexts to describe the stability of a physical or chemical state.


SIMPLE

The scientist studied the permanence of the new paint.

CONTEXTUAL

In a world of constant digital updates, many people seek a sense of permanence through physical objects and handwritten letters.

COMPLEX

The architect's design focused on the permanence of the structure, using materials that would withstand centuries of environmental wear and tear without significant degradation.

It was the economy that ensured the permanence of the currency.

Phys.org· 3 Sept 2026

From Middle English permanence, permanens, from Middle French permanence, from Medieval Latin permanentia, from Latin permaneō (“I remain; last”).

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

This entry
Origin Latin permaneō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated