perpetual

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/pərˈpɛtʃuəl/
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Lasting without a fixed end, recurring so steadily that it feels unbroken, and in specialist uses describing repeat-blooming plants or no-expiry financial contracts.
Practice using perpetual in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The monks kept a perpetual flame burning in the chapel.
  • Investors price a perpetual by discounting its expected payments.
  • The bank issued a perpetual to strengthen its capital base.
  • The office printer was a perpetual source of frustration.
  • Gardeners prized perpetual carnations for their long season.

Similar words

unending
constant
repeat-blooming
remontant
permanent
indefinite
undying
long-flowering
persistent
perpetual bond

Meanings

Lasting indefinitely

adjective
time
neutral
Lasting without a fixed end, either forever in idea or for as long as the situation continues.

Examples

  • The monks kept a perpetual flame burning in the chapel.
  • The trust granted a perpetual right to use the path.
  • Inventors once dreamed of perpetual motion.
  • A perpetual license lets the software run without renewal.
  • Ancient stories promise perpetual youth to the gods.

Similar words

everlasting
endless
unending
permanent
undying
indefinite
eternal

Constantly recurring

adjective
everyday
neutral
Happening again and again, or staying so constant that it feels impossible to escape.

Examples

  • The perpetual interruptions made the meeting impossible.
  • He wore a perpetual grin, even during bad news.
  • The town seemed trapped under perpetual rain.
  • Her desk was in a state of perpetual disorder.
  • The office printer was a perpetual source of frustration.

Similar words

continual
constant
incessant
unremitting
persistent
ceaseless
nonstop

Blooming repeatedly

adjective
horticulture
technical
Blooming repeatedly or almost continuously through a growing season.

Examples

  • The nursery specializes in perpetual roses.
  • Gardeners prized perpetual carnations for their long season.
  • A perpetual flowering variety can brighten the border for months.
  • Unlike once-blooming roses, perpetual roses repeat their flushes.
  • The catalogue marked the plant as perpetual rather than seasonal.

Similar words

remontant
repeat-blooming
everblooming
continuous-flowering
long-flowering

No-maturity financial contract

noun
finance
technical
A bond, future, or similar financial contract with no fixed maturity or expiry date.

Examples

  • The bank issued a perpetual to strengthen its capital base.
  • Crypto traders often shorten perpetual futures to perpetuals.
  • A perpetual pays coupons without a scheduled maturity.
  • Investors price a perpetual by discounting its expected payments.
  • Unlike a standard futures contract, a perpetual has no expiry date.

Similar words

perpetual bond
perpetual future
perpetual contract
consol
perp

Etymology

From Middle English perpetuel, from Old French, and Latin perpetuus, meaning continuous or uninterrupted. The Latin form is linked with per-, meaning through, and petere, meaning to go toward or seek.

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