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

She was suspended for an initial 18 months which will be replaced with a permanent suspension, although she can choose to appeal.

From BBC

“The victims were forced, including through acts of violence, to work hours that were physically and psychologically unbearable…and to live in inhumane conditions, under permanent surveillance.”

From BBC

I know that the side effects of hormone treatment, horrifyingly referred to “chemical castration,” can be permanent.

From Los Angeles Times

The council said recruiting a permanent head teacher had been "challenging" and a new approach was needed.

From BBC

The defence counsel said: "He could not get away from this fixation that the osteopath caused him permanent damage."

From BBC

Related Words

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