permanent

[pur-muh-nuhnt]

adjective

1. existing perpetually; everlasting, especially without significant change.

   Synonyms: constant, invariable, stable
   Antonyms: inconstant, temporary

2. intended to exist or function for a long, indefinite period without regard to unforeseeable conditions.

   a permanent employee; the permanent headquarters of the United Nations.

3. long-lasting or nonfading.

   permanent pleating; permanent ink.

noun

1. Also called permanent wave. a wave or curl that is set into the hair by the application of a special chemical preparation and that remains for a number of months.

permanent

/ ˈpɜːmənənt /

adjective

1. existing or intended to exist for an indefinite period

   a permanent structure

2. not expected to change for an indefinite time; not temporary

   a permanent condition

Other Word Forms

• permanently adverb
• permanentness noun
• nonpermanent adjective
• nonpermanently adverb
• pseudopermanent adjective
• quasi-permanent adjective
• quasi-permanently adverb
• subpermanent adjective
• subpermanently adverb
• unpermanent adjective
• unpermanently adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin permanent-, stem of permanēns “remaining,” present participle of permanēre “to remain”; per-, remain

Word History and Origins

Origin of permanent¹

C15: from Latin permanens continuing, from permanēre to stay to the end, from per- through + manēre to remain

Example Sentences

“I don’t wear headphones; I like to have conversations. You meet someone new and they’re putting something permanent on you that will change you forever. It’s a very deep connection.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The UK's first permanent home for illustration will open in central London in May to "celebrate its traditions" and welcome the "astonishing diversity" of art across the world.

Read more on BBC

Most speculation about artificial intelligence has focused on its potential to kill jobs and on the policies that government might implement to control AI and cushion workers against temporary or permanent unemployment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But he did reiterate his belief that the club will be making "inroads" for a permanent replacement in the upcoming international window.

Read more on BBC

The 3D analysis identifies spectroscopically distinct zones on the planet's permanent dayside, which always faces the star because the planet is tidally locked.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• durable 
• enduring 
• long-lasting 
• perpetual 
• stable