perpetually
Meaning: Occurring endlessly or indefinitely; in a manner suggesting something that never ceases or is always in the same state.
Perpetually can be used literally (a perpetually burning flame) or hyperbolically (perpetually late). In formal writing it describes ongoing states or conditions with no foreseeable end, while in conversational register it serves as an emphatic synonym for 'always.' It commonly collocates with adjectives describing states: 'perpetually anxious,' 'perpetually in debt,' 'perpetually changing.'
Examples
- The NHS appears to be perpetually on the brink of a funding crisis, regardless of which party is in power. 无论哪个政党执政,国民保健服务似乎总是处于资金危机的边缘。El NHS parece estar perpetuamente al borde de una crisis de financiación, independientemente del partido en el poder.NHSはどの政党が政権を取っても、常に資金危機の瀬戸際にあるように見える。NHS는 어느 정당이 집권하든 항상 자금 위기의 벼랑 끝에 있는 것처럼 보인다.
- He was perpetually dissatisfied with the quality of public transport in the capital. 他对首都公共交通的质量永远不满意。Estaba perpetuamente insatisfecho con la calidad del transporte público en la capital.彼は首都の公共交通機関の質に永遠に不満を抱いていた。그는 수도의 대중교통 품질에 영원히 불만족스러워했다.
- The ancient woodland is perpetually damp, creating ideal conditions for rare mosses and lichens. 这片古老的森林终年潮湿,为稀有苔藓和地衣创造了理想的生长条件。El bosque milenario está perpetuamente húmedo, lo que crea las condiciones ideales para musgos y líquenes raros.その太古の森は常に湿潤で、希少な苔類や地衣類にとって理想的な環境を作り出している。그 고대 삼림은 늘 축축하여, 희귀한 이끼류와 지의류에 이상적인 환경을 만들어낸다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, academic, general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin perpetualis, derived from perpetuus (continuous, universal), from per- (through) + petere (to seek, go towards). Entered English in the 14th century via Old French.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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