"Permanent" vs. "perpetual": when does forever begin and end?

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper Yesterday, 07:19

English.me team member

Permanent and perpetual. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "permanent" and "perpetual" describe something that lasts for a long time or indefinitely, and they are often used to convey the idea of duration without interruption or end.

What is different?

"Permanent" typically means lasting without change, end, or interruption, often suggesting something fixed or unalterable. "Perpetual" emphasizes continuous repetition or ongoing duration, sometimes implying movement or activity that continues without stopping.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Permanent

He got a permanent tattoo on his arm.
The museum displayed a permanent collection of ancient artifacts.
She received a permanent position at the company.

Perpetual

The region is shrouded in perpetual mist.
He lived in a state of perpetual anxiety.
The clock's mechanism is kept in perpetual motion.