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. Also: for 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. 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

“We will forever be changed by this, we know that time will heal, but the scars will remain,” Shapiro said.

Read more on BBC

That focus carried Weinberg through many iterations of bands and even playing in pit orchestras until nailing an audition for an ad he’d answered in the Village Voice, which changed his career trajectory forever.

Read more on Salon

In a statement, Stuart Zammitto-Nicholl, who found Theo face down in the water, said he was doing CPR for five minutes but "it felt like forever".

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“I know he will forever regret he didn’t make his move when he had the chance,” the source added.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

England manager Wiegman said: "Millie will forever be an England legend for what she has given to her country, and I could never have enough words to praise her impact during my time."

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• always 
• endlessly www.thesaurus.com
• eternally 
• permanently www.thesaurus.com