eternally

[ ih-tur-nl-ee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is ceaseless, endless, or perpetual:

   We call on all citizens to be eternally vigilant in ensuring that human rights are protected and sustained.

2. in a way that is enduring and unchanging:

   The couple is eternally grateful for the support shown by their community.

3. Metaphysics. in a way that exists outside of time, without beginning or end:

   I worry I will be eternally tormented in hell, or at the very least punished severely here on earth.

Other Words From

• non·e·ter·nal·ly adverb
• qua·si-e·ter·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of eternally¹

eternal ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

They have been my most important support throughout my ministry, and I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

From BBC

As Kimberly, Carmello is both old before her time and eternally innocent, a newly bloomed rose already losing her petals.

From Los Angeles Times

And Allred—for better or worse—is a more controlled, managed candidate than the eternally skateboarding O’Rourke.

From Slate

Miller’s Liz probably gets the shortest stick of all the regular players, but a subplot fleshing out her character’s relationship dynamic with McGinley’s Derek transforms his character from an eternally smiling goofball into something lovelier and more fragile than the background figure barely introduced last year.

From Salon

I mistook a buffoon for a monster, and I will be eternally sorry for that.

From Salon

Related Words

• perpetually