First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1eternal
adjective eter·nal \i-ˈtər-nəl\
: having no beginning and no end in time : lasting forever
: existing at all times : always true or valid
: seeming to last forever
Full Definition of ETERNAL
1
a : having infinite duration : everlasting <eternal damnation> b : of or relating to eternity c : characterized by abiding fellowship with God <good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life? — Mark 10:17(Revised Standard Version)>
2
a : continued without intermission : perpetual <an eternal flame> b : seemingly endless <eternal delays>
3
archaic : infernal <some eternal villain … devised this slander — Shakespeare>
4
: valid or existing at all times : timeless <eternal verities>
— eter·nal·ize \-nə-ˌlīz\ transitive verb
— eter·nal·ly \-nəl-ē\ adverb
— eter·nal·ness noun
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Origin of ETERNAL
Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin aeternalis, from Latin aeternus eternal, from aevum age, eternity — more at aye
Related to ETERNAL
- Synonyms
- ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, abiding, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, perpetual, timeless, undying
- Antonyms
- impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient
2eternal
noun
Definition of ETERNAL
1
capitalized : god 1 —used with the
2
: something eternal
First Known Use of ETERNAL
1573
ETERNALIZE Defined for Kids
eternal
adjective eter·nal \i-ˈtər-nəl\
Definition of ETERNAL for Kids
1
: lasting forever : having no beginning and no end
2
: continuing without interruption : seeming to last forever <eternal patience>
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