Word
perpetuity
Phoneticsper·pe·tu·ity
US/ˌpɝpɪtˈjuɪti/
UK/pəpɪtjˈuːɪti/
Definition
n. a state that lasts forever or for a very long time. In business, it often refers to a type of investment that pays you money every year for the rest of your life.
n. a state of being or a condition that continues indefinitely. In a financial context, it refers to a type of investment or annuity that provides a fixed income for the lifetime of the recipient.
Examples
“The company bought a bond that pays interest in perpetuity.”
“The charity received a donation that will provide a steady stream of income in perpetuity to support its local projects.”
“While many investors prefer the security of a fixed-term bond, others seek the stability of an annuity that offers a guaranteed income in perpetuity, regardless of market fluctuations.”
Examples
simple
“The company bought a bond that pays interest in perpetuity.”
contextual
“The charity received a donation that will provide a steady stream of income in perpetuity to support its local projects.”
complex
“While many investors prefer the security of a fixed-term bond, others seek the stability of an annuity that offers a guaranteed income in perpetuity, regardless of market fluctuations.”
Real-World Examples
“It was common for wealthy citizens or political leaders to ensconce their likeness in the presence of a deity so they could effectively worship in perpetuity, Ebbinghaus explained.” “But I see a big problem with having foundations outlive the donors that endow them with funds in perpetuity.” Etymology
From Middle English perpetuitee, perpetuite, perpetuyte, from Old French perpetüité, ultimately from Latin perpetuitās.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/perpetuity