perpetual
UK: /pəˈpetʃ.u.əl/ | US: /pɚˈpetʃ.u.əl/
adj. continuing forever or indefinitely without interruption
adj. occurring repeatedly; constant
adj. (botany) evergreen or continuously blooming
perpetual = per<through> + pet<seek/go> + ual<adjective suffix>
- per: Latin prefix meaning "through" or "completely."
- pet: Derived from Latin petere ("to seek, go toward"), implying continuous motion or pursuit.
- ual: Adjective-forming suffix from Latin -alis, indicating a quality or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word perpetual traces back to Latin perpetuus ("continuous, unbroken"), combining per- (thoroughly) and petere (to seek/go). The core idea is of something persistently moving forward without end, evolving into its modern sense of endless duration or repetition.
The waterfall creates a perpetual mist in the valley.
She was tired of the perpetual noise from the construction site.
The treaty aimed to establish perpetual peace between the nations.
His perpetual optimism inspired everyone around him.
Some plants are perpetual, retaining their leaves year-round.