forever

[ fawr-ev-er, fer- ]

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.

forever

/ fɔːˈrɛvə; fə- /

adverb

1. Alsofor 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. …forever!
   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

Word History and Origins

Origin of forever¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. forever and a day, eternally; always:

   They pledged to love each other forever and a day.

Example Sentences

"He was just forever trying to improve, and it just gave him so much confidence, so I just want to be able to help others," she said.

From BBC

But now when you have already achieved so much, it is not about wanting to drive forever.

From BBC

And it will be forever, which is exactly what we see in the movie.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s nothing hardcore about the Mexican Standoff, but try listening to “One Way Ticket to TJ,” without it getting drilled into your head forever.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m forever grateful, forever indebted and I can’t wait to see what Season 3 has in store. I’m very excited,” she added.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• always
• endlessly
• eternally
• permanently