Permanently

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈpɝmənəntli/

Definitions

1. In a way that lasts forever or for a very long time without changing or ending
2. In a manner that signifies enduring existence over time without alteration or conclusion
3. In a fashion that ensures lasting stability and continuity indefinitely without any potential for change

Etymology: "Permanently" is a straightforward formation: the adjective "permanent" with the adverbial suffix "-ly" added to it. The adjective is the older part of the story. It comes from Latin "permanere," meaning "to remain through" or "to stay to the end," built from "per" ("through") and "manere" ("to remain"). That same Latin verb gave English "remain" and "mansion," a dwelling where one stays. English took the adjective in the late Middle Ages, and the adverb followed from it in Middle English. Because the suffix "-ly" is attached to a word that already carried the sense of lasting, the adverb inherited that core meaning directly: an action done permanently is done in a way that holds without end or change. The word's structure is transparent, so its meaning has changed little since it first appeared.

Synonyms: forever, everlastingly, indefinitely, for good, eternally

Antonyms: temporarily, briefly, momentarily, transiently, for a short time