perpetual
Meaning: Never ending or changing; occurring repeatedly so as to seem endless or uninterrupted.
Perpetual can describe something truly eternal (perpetual motion) or, more commonly, something that seems to go on endlessly and often annoyingly (perpetual complaints, perpetual rain). In legal and financial contexts, 'perpetual' has specific technical meanings: a perpetual bond has no maturity date; a perpetual lease runs indefinitely. Common collocations include 'perpetual motion,' 'perpetual cycle,' 'perpetual sunshine,' 'in perpetuity' (the related noun phrase), and 'perpetual student.'
Examples
- The region enjoys a climate of almost perpetual sunshine, attracting tourists year-round. 该地区几乎终年阳光灿烂,全年吸引着游客。La región disfruta de un clima de sol casi perpetuo que atrae turistas durante todo el año.その地域はほぼ絶え間ない日差しに恵まれた気候で、年間を通じて観光客を引きつけています。그 지역은 거의 끊임없는 햇살이 내리쬐는 기후를 누리며, 연중 관광객을 끌어들입니다.
- She grew weary of his perpetual complaining about trivial matters. 她对他永无止境地抱怨琐碎小事感到厌倦。Se cansó de sus quejas perpetuas sobre asuntos triviales.彼女は彼が些細なことについて延々と不満を言い続けることにうんざりしていました。그녀는 그가 사소한 일에 대해 끊임없이 불평하는 것에 지쳐 있었습니다.
- The trust was established to maintain the parkland in perpetuity for the benefit of future generations. 该信托基金的设立旨在永久维护这片公园用地,造福后代。El fideicomiso se creó para mantener el parque a perpetuidad en beneficio de las generaciones futuras.この信託は、将来の世代の利益のために公園用地を永続的に維持することを目的として設立されました。이 신탁은 미래 세대의 이익을 위해 공원 부지를 영구적으로 유지하기 위해 설립되었습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin perpetualis, from perpetuus (continuous, uninterrupted), from per- (thoroughly) and petere (to seek, aim at). It entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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