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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Serpent King
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
"I wanted to have some permanence," he said.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
Like so many other TV personalities in 2026, she cannot move her forehead, giving her already steely vibe the facial permanence of a screengrab.
From Slate • May 6, 2026
I also like the idea of creating a permanence in the playfulness.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
For 47 years, my family built an identity against the permanence of the Islamic Republic.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026
He seemed genuinely pleased that I was coming to live with him for the first time with any degree of permanence.
From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer
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.
