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

The country has been invited as a guest to the next G20 summit in December, but becoming a permanent member would grant it a stronger voice on the international stage.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since November, most foreign men aged 18 to 65 must register with the Russian military to obtain permanent residence or a passport.

From Barron's

Isaac has permanent hearing loss in both ears and his deafness was picked up soon after birth, thanks to a newborn hearing screening programme.

From BBC

Alongside the permanent French couture houses, the federation invites guest designers from around the world who have both the skill and commitment to handmade craft that form the basis of the business.

From Barron's

District Judge John Tunheim said federal immigration agencies can continue lawful immigration operations in Minnesota, but can’t arrest or detain refugees who are seeking permanent status.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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