perpetual

I

(Roget's IV) modif.

1. [Never stopping]

Syn. continuous, unceasing, constant, ceaseless, never-ceasing, incessant, permanent, lasting, perennial, uninterrupted, eternal, endless, everlasting, interminable, unremitting, enduring, continued, without end, imperishable, undying, immortal, sempiternal; see also eternal 2 .

Ant. short*, transitory, fleeting.

2. [Continually repeating]

Syn. incessant, repetitious, continual, recurring, repeating, recurrent, intermittent, going on and on, persistent, returning, annual; see also constant 1 , regular 3 .

Syn.- perpetual applies to that which lasts or persists for an indefinitely long time [ a perpetual nuisance ] ; continual applies to that which recurs repeatedly or goes on unceasingly over a long period of time [continual arguments, continual rain ] ; continuous applies to that which extends without interruption in either space or time [ a continuous expanse, a continuous flow of traffic ] ; constant stresses uniformity, steadiness, or regularity in occurrence or recurrence [ the constant beat of the heart ] ; incessant implies unceasing or uninterrupted activity [incessant chatter ] ; eternal stresses endlessness or timelessness [ the eternal verities ]

II

(Roget's 3 Superthesaurus) a.

neverending, everlasting, unending, eternal, continuous, permanent, immortal, nonstop, incessant, ceaseless, ongoing, infinite.

ANT.: temporary, short-lived, finite

III

(Roget's Thesaurus II) adjective 1. Enduring for all time: amaranthine, ceaseless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, never-ending, unending, world without end. Archaic: eterne. See CONTINUE. 2. Existing or occurring without interruption or end: around-the-clock, ceaseless, constant, continual, continuous, endless, eternal, everlasting, incessant, interminable, nonstop, ongoing, persistent, relentless, round-the-clock, timeless, unceasing, unending, unfailing, uninterrupted, unremitting. See CONTINUE.