Word
permanent
Phoneticsper·ma·nent, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɝmənənt/
UK/pˈɜːmənənt/
Definitions
01lasting forever
B1 · Intermediate
adj. lasting for a long time or forever, and not expected to change.
adj. intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
Español:permanente
“She is looking for a permanent job rather than a summer contract.”
“The treaty was intended to establish a permanent peace between the two nations after decades of border disputes.”
02hair treatment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a chemical treatment that makes your hair curly for several weeks.
n. a chemical hair treatment that produces long-lasting waves or curls.
“She went to the salon to get a permanent before the wedding.”
“The stylist warned that getting a permanent on recently bleached hair could cause significant structural damage to the follicles.”
Usage
Often shortened to 'perm' in everyday conversation.
Synonyms
03mathematics
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Mathematics Technical
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.
“The professor explained how to calculate the permanent of the matrix.”
“Computing the permanent of a large matrix is significantly more difficult than finding its determinant due to the lack of certain algebraic properties.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “permanent” in context.
Verb
01. become permanent
“The temporary changes to the schedule will become permanent starting next month.”
verb + adj
02. find a permanent job
“After months of freelancing, he was relieved to finally find a permanent job.”
verb + adj + noun
03. make the arrangement permanent
“The board of directors decided to make the remote working arrangement permanent.”
verb + noun + adj
Adjective
04. permanent address
“Please provide a permanent address where we can send your official documents.”
adj + noun
05. permanent damage
“Exposure to loud music can cause permanent damage to your hearing.”
adj + noun
06. permanent resident
“After living in the country for five years, she finally became a permanent resident.”
adj + noun
07. permanent solution
“We need a permanent solution to the leaking roof rather than just using a bucket.”
adj + noun
Adverb
08. almost permanent
“The city lives under an almost permanent cloud of smog during the summer months.”
adv + adj
09. permanent move
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Idioms
01. permanent shave
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/permanent
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0