permanence
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of permanence
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word permanentia. See permanent, -ence
Explanation
Permanence is when something sticks around forever, like your mother's love or the smell of smoke after you accidentally start a fire in your kitchen. Something can give the impression of permanence, even if it isn't literally infinite, like a massive stone castle or a pesky neighbor who always seems to be hanging around. The noun permanence comes from permanent, which in Latin means "remaining to the end," from the roots per, "through," and manere, "remain or stay."
Vocabulary lists containing permanence
Sheryl Sandberg Commencement Address 2016
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Twenty-Four Seconds from Now
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The Serpent King
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Apparently, when it comes to shreds and zest, I possess the object permanence of a baby.
From Salon ● Aug. 1, 2026
Some misalignments suggested by the index have an air of permanence.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 31, 2026
Finding the right balance between innovation and permanence with fast-evolving EV technology took half a decade, massive investment, and a key hire from the tech industry.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 25, 2026
"I wanted to have some permanence," he said.
From BBC ● May 13, 2026
I suddenly like his solidness and sense of permanence, as if what you see is what you get, and he will always be and do exactly what you expect him to be and do.
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
