permanent

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈpɜːr.mə.nənt/
• American: PUR-muh-nuhnt

Origin

From Latin "permanens" (remaining) and "permanere" (to endure), from "per-" (through) + "manere" (to remain)

Meanings

1. Lasting or intended to last indefinitely; enduring without change

   • The tattoo left a permanent mark on his skin.
   • She got a permanent position at the company.

2. Not temporary or provisional

   • They moved into their permanent residence after living in temporary housing.
   • The injury caused permanent damage to his knee.

Forms

• Noun: permanence, permanency
• Adverb: permanently
• Antonym: temporary, provisional, transient

Synonyms

• lasting
• eternal
• perpetual
• fixed
• unchanging
• enduring

Memory Tricks

1. Break it down: "per" (through) + "manent" (remain) = remaining through time
2. Think "Permanent marker" - once you write with it, it doesn't wash off
3. Remember: If something is PERMANENT, it will "remain" for a long time (permanent contains "mane" which sounds like "remain")

Usage Notes

Often used in contrast with "temporary" to emphasize the lasting nature of something. Common collocations include:

• permanent residence
• permanent job
• permanent solution
• permanent record
• permanent change