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

The sisters are mindful that he won't be around forever and I am told they are hoping at some point to repair the rift.

From BBC

“We will forever be grateful for the journeys you took us on, Adam.”

From Los Angeles Times

"His passing at such a young age is impossible to comprehend but he will not be forgotten and he will forever remain in our hearts."

From BBC

When we had a child together, we’d committed to being in each other’s lives forever.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Foreman wrote in her poem to her family: "We wish that we could be together. To hug and hold each other forever."

From BBC

Related Words

• always
• endlessly
• eternally
• permanently