permanent

American  

[pur-muh-nuhnt] / ˈpɜr mə nənt /

adjective

1. existing perpetually; everlasting, especially without significant change.

   Synonyms:

   constant, invariable, stable

   Antonyms:

   inconstant, temporary

2. intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions.

   a permanent employee; the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.

3. long-lasting or nonfading.

   permanent pleating; permanent ink.

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noun

1. Also called permanent wave.  a wave or curl that is set into the hair by the application of a special chemical preparation and that remains for a number of months.

permanent British  

/ ˈpɜːmənənt /

adjective

1. existing or intended to exist for an indefinite period

   a permanent structure

2. not expected to change for an indefinite time; not temporary

   a permanent condition

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Other Word Forms

• nonpermanent adjective
• nonpermanently adverb
• permanently adverb
• permanentness noun
• pseudopermanent adjective
• quasi-permanent adjective
• quasi-permanently adverb
• subpermanent adjective
• subpermanently adverb
• unpermanent adjective
• unpermanently adverb

Etymology

Origin of permanent

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin permanent-, stem of permanēns “remaining,” present participle of permanēre “to remain”; per-, remain

Example Sentences

Rare earths are used in high-performance permanent magnets needed for aircraft, electric vehicles, medical-imaging machines and many other technologies.

From The Wall Street Journal

But those tempted to adopt a permanent “buy the dip” mentality might want to think again.

From Barron's

It has a permanent population, a defined territory, effective government and the capacity to conduct foreign relations—the four tests of the 1933 Montevideo Convention.

From The Wall Street Journal

It is part of the reason why Wolves are willing to allow the Norway international to leave, even though he only made his initial loan move from Celta Vigo permanent last July for £23m.

From BBC

He noted that although his move to Panama isn’t permanent—explaining that he does not currently have plans to apply for citizenship—he does hope he will be there for quite some time.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• durable
• enduring
• long-lasting
• perpetual
• stable