permanent
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.lasting for a long time or forever, and not expected to change.
adj.intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
Simple“She is looking for a permanent job rather than a summer contract.”
In context“The treaty was intended to establish a permanent peace between the two nations after decades of border disputes.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a chemical treatment that makes your hair curly for several weeks.
n.a chemical hair treatment that produces long-lasting waves or curls.
Simple“She went to the salon to get a permanent before the wedding.”
In context“The stylist warned that getting a permanent on recently bleached hair could cause significant structural damage to the follicles.”
UsageOften shortened to 'perm' in everyday conversation.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
n.a specific number calculated from a square grid of numbers.
n.a function of a square matrix similar to the determinant, but without using signs based on permutations.
Simple“The professor explained how to calculate the permanent of the matrix.”
In context“Computing the permanent of a large matrix is significantly more difficult than finding its determinant due to the lack of certain algebraic properties.”
Usage permanent move
“These brief convulsions are frightening, but don’t cause permanent harm.”
“Eight months into her latest role, and one month before the position was due to become permanent, she was made redundant.”
From Middle English permanent, permanente, from Middle French permanent, from Latin permanēns, from permaneō (“to stay through”). First attested in the 15th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.