Eternal — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /i-ˈtər-nᵊl/ eter·nal

Meaning & Definition of Eternal

Eternal (adjective)

  1. having infinite duration, everlasting
  2. of or relating to eternity
  3. characterized by abiding fellowship with God

Eternal (noun)

  1. god —used with the
  2. something eternal

Eternal (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish

    "a charming fable that presents some eternal truths in a fresh way"

    similar: abiding, ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, perpetual, timeless, undying
    related: ceaseless, endless, permanent, changeless, constant, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying
    near: antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé

  2. lasting forever

    "the quest for some magic potion that promises eternal youth"

    similar: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, everlasting, immortal, permanent, perpetual, undying, unending
    related: durable, enduring, lasting, long-lived, persistent, stubborn, imperishable, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indestructible, indissoluble, inexpungible, timeless, abiding, stable, standing, steadfast, steady, unfailing, unfaltering, continual, continuing, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
    opposite: impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient
    near: ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, transitory, interim, provisional, short-term

Eternal (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the being worshipped as the creator and ruler of the universe

    "spent much time pondering the nature of the Eternal"

    similar: Allah, Almighty, Author, Creator, deity, Divinity, Everlasting, Father, God, Godhead, Jehovah, King, Lord, Maker, Providence, Supreme Being, Yahweh

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Eternal

The most common words with a similar meaning to Eternal:

abiding, ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, perpetual, timeless, undying, ceaseless, deathless, endless, permanent, unending, Allah, Almighty, Author, Creator, deity, Divinity, Everlasting, Father, God, Godhead, Jehovah, King, Lord, Maker, Providence, Supreme Being, Yahweh

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Eternal

Words with the opposite meaning of Eternal:

impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient

Related Words for Eternal

changeless, constant, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying, durable, long-lived, persistent, stubborn, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indestructible, indissoluble, inexpungible, standing, steadfast, unfailing, unfaltering, continual, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting

Near Antonyms of Eternal

antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé, ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, transitory, interim, provisional, short-term

Word Forms of Eternal

Derived words: eternalize (transitive verb), eternally (adverb), eternalness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Eternal

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin aeternalis, from Latin aeternus eternal, from aevum age, eternity aye

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Eternal

Words & Phrases Containing Eternal

eternal flame

Frequently Asked Questions about Eternal

What does "Eternal" mean?

"Eternal" means having infinite duration, everlasting. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: having infinite duration, everlasting. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Eternal"?

Other words for "Eternal" include abiding, ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, everlasting, immortal and imperishable. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Eternal" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Eternal"?

There are 64 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Eternal". Common alternatives include abiding, ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting and ongoing.

What is the opposite of "Eternal"?

Antonyms of "Eternal" include impermanent, mortal, temporary and transient. Near antonyms include antiquated, archaic, dated and obsolete.

How do you use "Eternal" in a sentence?

Examples of "Eternal" in a sentence: "a charming fable that presents some eternal truths in a fresh way"; "the quest for some magic potion that promises eternal youth"; "spent much time pondering the nature of the Eternal".

Is "Eternal" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Eternal" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Eternal" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Eternal" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Eternal"?

"Eternal" is pronounced /i-ˈtər-nᵊl/ and divided into syllables as eter·nal.