eternal

¹eter·nal

adj \i-ˈtər-n^əl\

Definition of ETERNAL

1

a : having infinite duration : everlasting <eternal damnation> b : of or relating to eternity c : characterized by abiding fellowship with God <good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? — Mark 10:17(Revised Standard Version)>

2

a : continued without intermission : perpetual <an eternal flame> b : seemingly endless <eternal delays>

3

archaic : infernal <some eternal villain … devised this slander — Shakespeare>

4

: valid or existing at all times : timeless <eternal verities>

— eter·nal·ize \-nə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb

— eter·nal·ly \-n^əl-ē\ adverb

— eter·nal·ness noun

Examples of ETERNAL

1. the eternal flames of hell
2. in search of eternal wisdom
3. When will his eternal whining stop?

Origin of ETERNAL

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin aeternalis, from Latin aeternus eternal, from aevum age, eternity — more at aye

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ETERNAL

Synonyms: ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, abiding, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, perpetual, timeless, undying

Antonyms: impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient

Related Words: ceaseless, endless, permanent; changeless, constant, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying

Near Antonyms: antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with ETERNAL

diurnal, external, fraternal, hibernal, infernal, internal, maternal, nocturnal, paternal, supernal