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

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

From BBC

The hour is being called “Jenna & Friends” until a permanent co-host is named.

From Los Angeles Times

The Israeli military has denied that it is seeking to create permanent buffer zones and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently said that displaced people from northern Gaza would be allowed to return home at the end of the war.

From BBC

It also says that the “organised, violent displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, who are members of another ethnic group, is likely planned to be permanent in the buffer zones and security corridors”, and that such actions “amount to ethnic cleansing”.

From BBC

The city’s proposal would make them permanent and go further to mandate every rent-stabilized unit demolished is replaced by an income-restricted affordable unit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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