Permanent

ˈpɜːrmənənt

adjectiveBeginner🔥Very CommonQuality
1 meaning1 idiom/phrase3 questions

Definitions

1

Existing or continuing for a long time or forever; not temporary or liable to change.

ˈpɜːrmənənt

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Quality

Lasting or expected to last for a long time.

The scar left a permanent mark on his face.

💡 Simply: Something that's meant to last a long, long time – like getting a permanent marker instead of a pencil, or getting a permanent job instead of a temporary one. It means it sticks around!

👶 For kids: Something that will stay for a very long time, like a house or a grown-up job.

More Examples

2

The company is seeking a permanent employee to fill the position.

3

The artist used permanent ink to create the artwork.

How It's Used

Law

"The judge issued a permanent injunction against the company."

Science

"Scientists are working on a permanent solution to global warming."

Everyday Life

"She got a permanent job after her internship."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

permanent residence

The status of being allowed to live and work in a country permanently.

"After years of applying, they were finally granted permanent residence."

From Latin permanens, present participle of permanēre 'to remain', from per- 'through, completely' + manēre 'to stay, remain'.

Used since the 15th century, originally from law to describe actions or decrees that are lasting and unchanging. Also associated with the idea of a lasting mark, such as a tattoo or scar.

Memory tip

Think of a 'man' who always remains the same (permanent).

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to remain, stay, endure"

permanent jobpermanent solutionpermanent residencepermanent recordpermanent damage

Common misspellings

permenantpermanantperminant

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written