perpetuate
Meaning: To cause something to continue indefinitely; to preserve or maintain something so that it is not forgotten or does not end.
Perpetuate often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the continuation of something undesirable such as myths, stereotypes, inequalities, or harmful practices. However, it can also be used positively, as in perpetuating traditions or memories. The noun form is 'perpetuation' and the adjective is 'perpetual.'
Examples
- The media can perpetuate harmful stereotypes if reporting is not done responsibly. 如果报道不负责任,媒体可能会助长有害的刻板印象。Los medios de comunicación pueden perpetuar estereotipos dañinos si la información no se trata con responsabilidad.報道が責任を持って行われなければ、メディアは有害な固定観念を助長しかねない。보도가 책임감 있게 이루어지지 않으면 미디어는 해로운 고정관념을 영속시킬 수 있다.
- The scholarship was established to perpetuate the memory of the school's founder. 该奖学金的设立旨在永续纪念学校创始人。La beca se creó para perpetuar la memoria del fundador del colegio.その奨学金は学校創設者の記憶を永く伝えるために設立された。그 장학금은 학교 설립자의 기억을 길이 전하기 위해 설립되었다.
- Policies that perpetuate inequality must be challenged and reformed. 助长不平等的政策必须受到质疑和改革。Las políticas que perpetúan la desigualdad deben cuestionarse y reformarse.不平等を助長する政策は、問い直され改革されなければならない。불평등을 영속시키는 정책은 문제를 제기하고 개혁해야 한다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, media, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin perpetuare (to make perpetual), from perpetuus (continuous, unbroken), from perpes (continuous). Entered English in the 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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