forever

American  

[fawr-ev-er, fer-] / fɔrˈɛv ər, fər- /

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.

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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.

idioms

1. forever and a day, eternally; always.

   They pledged to love each other forever and a day.

forever British  

/ fɔːˈrɛvə, fə- /

adverb

1. Also: for ever.  without end; everlastingly; eternally

2. at all times; incessantly

3. informal for a very long time

   he went on speaking forever

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noun

1. informal (as object) a very long time

   it took him forever to reply

2. 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

Etymology

Origin of forever

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

Example Sentences

"Matthew is deeply loved and will be forever missed," said his family, thanking emergency services who responded.

From BBC

In the public imagination, Harry is perhaps thought of as being forever young, the younger brother and son.

From BBC

Mark my words, the way we search for health information will change forever.

From MarketWatch

She was also powerful enough to keep everybody away from the teachers’ room forever, and human enough to give Howard her blanket.

From Literature

But the second fourth-down conversion—the touchdown run that helped decide the national championship—ensured that, no matter where Mendoza ends up, he will forever be a legend in Indiana.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• always
• endlessly
• eternally
• permanently