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

Philippa said giving birth to Sam remains "the proudest day of my life" and the "memories and love" would stay with her forever.

From BBC

Jess thought by bringing buildings, such as Rock House, into community ownership, they would be able to "cap the rents forever" and give local people somewhere they could afford to live.

From BBC

When she plays the final notes of Karma in Vancouver on Sunday night, the Eras Tour will be over, forever.

From BBC

Realizing she wishes that her parents could meet her only child, Mother stops herself and reorients her song to avoid her grief, but it’s a deviation she won’t be able to continue forever.

From Salon

House Democrats can be stubborn about the importance of keeping talented members waiting in line, forever, until the 150-year-old at the helm chooses to make a graceful exit.

From Slate

Related Words

• always
• endlessly
• eternally
• permanently