eternity
C1Formal, literary, philosophical, religious
Definition
Meaning
A state of existence that is infinite and endless, with no beginning and no end.
A very long, seemingly endless period of time; time after death in religious/philosophical contexts; the concept of timelessness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While its primary meaning is philosophical/religious, it is often used hyperbolically to describe very long, tedious waits (e.g., 'The meeting lasted an eternity').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Usage patterns are identical across both variants.
Connotations
Identical connotations of infinite time, timelessness, and the afterlife.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English in religious contexts, but overall usage is comparable.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + for + eternity (e.g., wait for eternity)[preposition] + eternity (e.g., throughout eternity)eternity + [verb] (e.g., eternity awaits)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an eternity later”
- “a little bit of eternity”
- “sentenced to eternity”
- “eternity in an hour”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in hyperbolic expressions about long projects: 'Getting approval felt like an eternity.'
Academic
Common in philosophy, theology, physics (the nature of time), and literature studies.
Everyday
Mostly hyperbolic: 'I waited an eternity for the bus.' Also in discussions about life/death.
Technical
In cosmology/physics, discussing theoretical models of an eternal or infinite universe.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The concept cannot be verbed.
American English
- The concept cannot be verbed.
adverb
British English
- He waited eternally (related, but not the same word).
American English
- She is eternally grateful (related, but not the same word).
adjective
British English
- The eternal struggle (related, but not the same word).
American English
- The eternal flame (related, but not the same word).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The lesson felt like an eternity.
- They promised to love each other for all eternity.
- Philosophers have long debated the nature of eternity and whether time has a beginning.
- The novel explores the protagonist's confrontation with eternity after a near-death experience, blending metaphysical speculation with narrative.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'ETERNITY' as 'EVER + (INTERNAL)ITY' – the internal, ever-lasting quality of time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER ('trapped for eternity'); TIME IS A JOURNEY ('on the road to eternity'); TIME IS A POSSESSION ('give me eternity').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'вечность' used casually for 'a long time' – in English, 'eternity' in non-hyperbolic use is more solemn/philosophical.
- The phrase 'на всю вечность' maps directly to 'for all eternity'.
- Avoid translating 'на веки вечные' as 'for eternities' – use 'for ever and ever' or 'for all eternity'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'an eternity' with a plural verb (e.g., 'An eternity have passed' – correct: 'An eternity has passed').
- Misspelling as 'eternety' or 'eternaty'.
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'ages' or 'forever' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'eternity' LEAST likely to be used literally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it has strong religious and philosophical associations, it is commonly used in everyday hyperbolic language to mean 'a very long time'.
'Eternity' primarily concerns endless *time*. 'Infinity' is a broader mathematical/physical concept of endless quantity, extent, or number, not necessarily related to time.
Typically uncountable. However, in its hyperbolic sense ('it felt like an eternity'), it is used with the indefinite article 'an' to mean 'a single very long period'.
A band (often with stones) given as a symbol of lasting love, sometimes marking a long marriage or the birth of a child.