Perennial
/pəˈrɛniəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsLasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring.
/pəˈrɛniəl/
The rose bush is a perennial plant; it blooms every year.
💡 Simply: Something that lasts for a really, really long time, like a plant that comes back year after year or a problem that just keeps happening.
👶 For kids: Something that lasts a long time, like a plant that grows back every year!
More Examples
The company faces a perennial challenge of managing its budget.
His perennial optimism was inspiring to everyone around him.
How It's Used
"Perennial plants can live for more than two years."
"The perennial problem of poverty continues to plague the country."
A plant that lives for more than two years.
/pəˈrɛniəl/
The garden is mostly composed of perennials, providing blooms year after year.
💡 Simply: A type of plant that comes back every year by itself, so you don't have to keep planting it.
👶 For kids: A plant that grows back every year!
More Examples
We planted some new perennials to add some color to the flower beds.
How It's Used
"The garden is filled with a variety of perennials."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin *perennis* 'lasting through the year, perpetual', from *per-* 'through' + *annus* 'year'.
The word 'perennial' has been used since the 16th century, primarily in botany, but extended to general usage describing enduring or recurring elements in various aspects of life.
Memory tip
Think of 'peri-' as 'through' and 'ann-' as 'year'. A perennial plant goes *through the year* multiple times.
Word Origin
"lasting through the year"