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

For the moment, Jim O'Neill, one of Kennedy's top advisers, has been tapped up to run the CDC on an interim basis, until a new permanent director can be found.

From BBC

Employment Judge Michael Magee said that Ms Lanuszka's dismissal coincided with the permanent move to the UK of the business owner's sister.

From BBC

The settlement of a 2011 lawsuit requires the VA to produce 1,200 units of permanent housing on the grounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Spurs competed in Europe on a regular basis and had an almost permanent presence in the top half of the Premier League, but meaningful success escaped them and Levy.

From BBC

In the city, data show homeless people are moving into new permanent supportive housing faster.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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