permanent

[ pur-muh-nuhnt ]

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.

noun

1. Also called permanent 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

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈpermanently, adverb

Other Words From

• perma·nent·ly adverb
• perma·nent·ness noun
• non·perma·nent adjective
• non·perma·nent·ly adverb
• pseudo·perma·nent adjective
• quasi-perma·nent adjective
• quasi-perma·nent·ly adverb
• sub·perma·nent adjective
• sub·perma·nent·ly adverb
• un·perma·nent adjective
• un·perma·nent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

C15: from Latin permanens continuing, from permanēre to stay to the end, from per- through + manēre to remain

Example Sentences

As devolution rose and fell, he was a permanent fixture on the UTV evening news programme.

From BBC

"We need to stop thinking that allocated spaces for buildings and roads are permanent when they could be reallocated to prioritise green infrastructure," he said.

From Science Daily

Libre would offer permanent housing for people at risk of homelessness and in need of mental health services.

From Los Angeles Times

One pair is on permanent display at the National Museum of American History, at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.

From BBC

“The best protection is the democratic process and voting. At this point, changes are coming. However, the chaos of the change does not need to be permanent,” Hoover said.

From Salon

Related Words

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