Eternity
ɪˈtɜːrnɪti
Definitions
2 meaningsInfinite or unending time; the state of being everlasting.
ɪˈtɜːrnɪti
Endless time or existence.
The ancient pharaohs believed in an eternity beyond the grave.
💡 Simply: Imagine time going on and on, forever. It's like a really, really long movie that never stops playing.
👶 For kids: Forever and ever, no end!
More Examples
The couple vowed to love each other for all eternity.
In moments of great joy, time seems to stretch into eternity.
How It's Used
"Many religions discuss the concept of life after death and eternity."
"The poet mused about the mysteries of eternity."
"Philosophers often debate the nature and possibility of eternity."
A time period that seems endless, especially a long wait.
ɪˈtɜːrnɪti
A very long period of time.
The wait for the results felt like an eternity.
💡 Simply: When something takes a really, really long time, like waiting for the food at a restaurant when you're super hungry.
👶 For kids: A long, long time.
More Examples
She spent an eternity trying to find her keys.
The traffic jam seemed to last an eternity.
How It's Used
"He felt like he waited for an eternity for the bus to arrive."
"The silence felt like an eternity."
Idioms & expressions
for all eternity
Forever; for an indefinite or unlimited amount of time.
"They vowed to love each other for all eternity."
From Old French "éternité" and Latin "aeternitas," meaning "everlastingness," derived from "aeternus" meaning "eternal." The word's roots reflect concepts of timelessness and endless duration, evolving through religious and philosophical discourse.
The word "eternity" has been used extensively in religious texts and philosophical discussions throughout history to explore the nature of time, the afterlife, and the divine.
Memory tip
Think of a long, winding road that never ends; that's eternity.