eternal

¹eter·nal

adjective \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antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé

Rhymes with ETERNAL

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

²eternal

noun

Definition of ETERNAL

1

capitalized : god 1 —used with the

2

: something eternal

First Known Use of ETERNAL

1573

Rhymes with ETERNAL

diurnal, external