eternal
word
Definition
Lasting forever, with no end in time. It can describe religious or philosophical ideas, and it is also used less literally for something that feels like it goes on for a very long time.
Usage & Nuances
More formal and literary than 'forever'. Common with nouns like 'life', 'love', 'truth', 'youth', and 'question': 'eternal life', 'eternal love', 'eternal truth'. In everyday speech, it often exaggerates annoyance or duration: 'the eternal problem', 'an eternal meeting'.
Example Sentences
They believed in eternal life after death.
basic
The stars seemed eternal in the night sky.
basic
We had the same eternal question again.
basic
Ugh, this traffic light is eternal—I've been waiting forever.
natural
That kid asks the eternal question: 'Why?'
natural
People online are having the eternal debate about pineapple on pizza again.
natural