perpetuity
[ pur-pi-too-i-tee, -tyoo- ]
/ ˌpɜr pɪˈtu ɪ ti, -ˈtyu- /
noun, plural per·pe·tu·i·ties.
the state or character of being perpetual (often preceded by in): to desire happiness in perpetuity.
endless or indefinitely long duration or existence; eternity.
something that is perpetual.
an annuity paid for life.
Law. an interest under which property is less than completely alienable for longer than the law allows.
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RELATED WORDS
always, permanently, eternally, evermore, perpetually, forever, interminably, never-ending, continuously, relentlessly, unlimitedly, infinitely, enduringly, forevermore, immortally, lastingly
Nearby words
- perpetual inventory,
- perpetual motion,
- perpetual-motion machine,
- perpetuate,
- perpetuation,
- perpetuous,
- perphenazine,
- perpignan,
- perplex,
- perplexed
Origin of perpetuity
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
perpetuity
/ (ˌpɜːpɪˈtjuːɪtɪ) /
noun plural -ties
eternity
the state or quality of being perpetual
property law a limitation preventing the absolute disposal of an estate for longer than the period allowed by law
an annuity with no maturity date and payable indefinitely
in perpetuity for ever
Word Origin for perpetuity
C15: from Old French perpetuite, from Latin perpetuitās continuity; see perpetual
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
perpetuity
late 14c., from Old French perpetuité "permanence, duration" (13c., Modern French perpétuité) and directly from Latin perpetuitatem (nominative perpetuitas) "uninterrupted duration, continuity, continuous succession," from perpetuus (see perpetual).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
in perpetuity
For all time, forever, as in This land was given to the state in perpetuity. [First half of 1400s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.