B2adjective2K

Permanent

UK /["/ˈpɜːmənənt/"]/US /["/ˈpɜːrmənənt/"]/

Definition

lasting for a long time or for all time in the future; existing all the time

In simple words: Lasting forever or a long time without changing.

Examples

  • The tattoo on her arm is a permanent reminder of her travels.
  • He decided to take a permanent position at the company after years of contract work.
  • The council approved a permanent solution to the traffic problems in the area.
  • Some students made permanent improvements to their grades this semester.
  • They were looking for a permanent residence after living in a temporary one for a year.

Usage notes

Use 'permanent' when something is fixed or unchangeable. It's suitable for both formal and everyday contexts, but avoid using it when speaking about temporary situations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'permanently' as 'permanently' written in stone, it can't be erased.

Collocations

  • be
  • prove
  • seem
  • almost
  • relatively
  • seemingly

Synonyms

  • everlasting
  • unending
  • constant
  • fixed
  • enduring

Antonyms

  • temporary
  • transient
  • fleeting

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'temporary' which means the opposite.
  • Using it to describe things that are not fixed like temporary jobs.
  • Spelling errors or misuse of similar-sounding words.