perpetually
perpetually — adverb
1. happening so often, or going on for so long, that it seems never to stop
happening so often, or going on for so long, that it seems never to stop
Beatrix is perpetually late, and the whole team waits for her every morning.
describes a habit that repeats again and again
The old radiator in Rodrigo's flat hummed perpetually through the cold winter nights.
an action that continues without a break
The twins on the top floor seem perpetually hungry, no matter how much they eat.
Traffic on the bridge is perpetually heavy between seven and nine in the morning.
Amihan worried perpetually about the exam until the results finally arrived.
- constantly
more neutral; perpetually hints more strongly at something tiresome
- continually
repeated with gaps in between, like perpetually for habits
- endlessly
stresses no stopping point; stronger and more dramatic
- occasionally
now and then, the opposite of all the time
- briefly
for only a short while
用法筆記
Often carries a mild note of complaint or impatience, suggesting the speaker finds the repeated action tiresome. Distinguish from sense 2, which is neutral and means lasting for ever.
常見錯誤
2. so as to continue for all future time, with no point at which it ends
so as to continue for all future time, with no point at which it ends
The treaty promised that the two nations would remain perpetually at peace.
formal register: lasting for all future time
Amira believes that the names of the heroes will be remembered perpetually.
The fund was set up so that the small village school would be funded perpetually.
In the old story, the lake was said to flow perpetually from a hidden spring.
- forever
everyday word for the same idea; perpetually is more formal
- eternally
stresses a timeless, often spiritual quality
- everlastingly
literary; emphasises that something never dies out
- temporarily
only for a limited time
用法筆記
Common in formal, legal, or literary contexts such as treaties, trusts, and dedications. Subject is usually an institution, agreement, or abstract idea rather than a person doing a daily action.