lifelong
UK: ˈlaɪflɒŋ | US: ˈlaɪflɔːŋ
adj. lasting or continuing throughout one's entire life
adj. (of a relationship, habit, etc.) enduring indefinitely
The word "lifelong" is a straightforward compound formed by combining "life" (Old English līf, meaning "existence") and "long" (Old English lang, meaning "extended in time or space"). It emerged in Middle English to describe something persisting for the entirety of one's life. The logic is transparent: "life" bounds the duration, while "long" emphasizes its continuity. This construction reflects a pragmatic Germanic compounding tradition, where two concrete concepts merge to create a new, specific meaning.
She has a lifelong passion for classical music.
Their lifelong friendship began in elementary school.
He made a lifelong commitment to environmental activism.
The disease can cause lifelong disabilities if untreated.
Lifelong learning is essential in today’s rapidly changing world.