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Eternal

Meaning of the Word

Eternal refers to something that lasts forever, without beginning or end. It denotes a state of being timeless, infinite, or unchanging. Often used in spiritual, philosophical, or poetic contexts, it implies permanence and immortality.

Etymology

The word “eternal” comes from the Latin term aeternalis, which is derived from aeternus, meaning “everlasting.” Aeternus itself stems from aevum, meaning “age” or “eternity.” The word entered Middle English through Old French during the 14th century.

Detailed Explanation

Eternal describes the concept of something that transcends time, remaining unchanged regardless of past, present, or future. It is frequently used in religious and philosophical contexts to refer to divine beings, the afterlife, or universal truths that are considered immutable. For instance, many traditions describe God or the soul as eternal.

In a broader sense, eternal can also metaphorically describe something enduring or seemingly endless, such as “eternal love” or “eternal patience.” Unlike temporary or finite things, the idea of eternal is rooted in the absence of limits or termination.

Examples

1. The stars in the night sky seem to reflect the eternal nature of the universe.
2. Love for one’s family is often described as eternal and unconditional.
3. Many religions speak of an eternal soul that exists beyond physical death.

Synonyms with Explanation

1. Everlasting: Emphasizes a sense of continuity without end, often in spiritual or poetic contexts.
2. Timeless: Suggests being unaffected by the passage of time or trends.
3. Immortal: Denotes never-ending existence, often related to living beings, such as gods or souls.
4. Perpetual: Refers to something ongoing and unending, often with cyclical characteristics.

These synonyms differ slightly in usage but collectively convey the notion of infinite duration.

Few Related Terms

1. Infinity: The concept of boundlessness, often tied to time or space.
2. Immortality: The quality of being exempt from death or decay.
3. Timelessness: A state of being eternal, often without temporal constraints.
4. Permanence: The state of lasting indefinitely without change.

Antonyms with Explanation

1. Temporary: Describes something that exists for a limited time and is not permanent.
2. Finite: Implies having limits or an endpoint, directly opposing the idea of eternity.
3. Ephemeral: Refers to something short-lived or fleeting.
4. Transitory: Indicates a brief existence or momentary nature, in stark contrast to eternal.

These antonyms focus on the fleeting or limited nature of things as opposed to the permanence suggested by eternal.

Other Words Starting with “Eternal”

1. Eternally: An adverb describing something done or lasting forever.
2. Eternalize: A verb meaning to make something eternal or immortal.
3. Eternality: A noun representing the quality or state of being eternal.