forever

American  

[fawr-ev-er, fer-] / fɔrˈɛv ər, fər- /

adverb

1. without ever ending; eternally.

   Like the memory of her laughter, the love for her in our hearts will last forever.

2. continually; incessantly; always.

   He's forever complaining.

---

noun

1. an endless or seemingly endless period of time.

   It took them forever to make up their minds.

adjective

1. lasting for an endless period of time; permanent.

   The stray dog is staying with us until we can find a forever home for it.

idioms

1. forever and a day, eternally; always.

   They pledged to love each other forever and a day.

forever British  

/ fɔːˈrɛvə, fə- /

adverb

1. Also: for ever.  without end; everlastingly; eternally

2. at all times; incessantly

3. informal for a very long time

   he went on speaking forever

---

noun

1. informal (as object) a very long time

   it took him forever to reply

2. an exclamation expressing support or loyalty

   Scotland forever!

Usage

Forever and for ever can both be used to say that something is without end. For all other meanings, forever is the preferred form

Etymology

Origin of forever

First recorded in 1300–50; originally a prepositional phrase for ever

Example Sentences

A spokesperson for the couple said the stone walls and turfed roof would make it barely visible, and that the energy efficient house would be used as a "family, forever home".

From BBC

The memory of small children running blindly through the hallways screaming will stay with me forever.

From The Wall Street Journal

"We've lost that ability to bring them in because, as I said, digital is forever."

From BBC

She added: "Your two sisters and big brother will always love and miss you to infinity... you will always and forever be in our hearts."

From BBC

Just when I thought I’d be wandering in the trees forever, I popped out on the other side, and the thumping became actual drums, blasting from car radios.

From Literature

Related Words

• always
• endlessly
• eternally
• permanently