forever: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, used across all registers from informal to formal.
Quick answer
What does “forever” mean?
For an infinite or limitless duration of time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
For an infinite or limitless duration of time; for all time.
Continuously, persistently, or repeatedly without end. Can also express exasperation or emphasis on length.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The one-word form 'forever' is standard in AmE. In BrE, both 'forever' and the historical two-word 'for ever' are found, though 'forever' is now dominant. The two-word form is considered slightly more formal/literary in BrE.
Connotations
Largely the same. In both, 'forever and ever' is a common emphatic idiom with no difference in form.
Frequency
'Forever' is overwhelmingly more frequent in both varieties. Corpus data shows 'for ever' is rare and declining even in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “forever” in a Sentence
VERB + forever (to express duration)BE + forever + VERB-ing (to express persistent habit)forever + ADJECTIVEVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forever” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- I will remember this day for ever.
- The queue seemed to go on forever.
American English
- I will love you forever.
- This project is taking forever to complete.
adjective
British English
- She's a forever friend.
- They searched for a forever home for the rescue dog.
American English
- He's my forever person.
- It wasn't just a fling; she wanted a forever relationship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in hyperbolic marketing: 'Our commitment lasts forever.'
Academic
Rare in scientific writing; used in philosophical/historical contexts discussing time or permanence.
Everyday
Very common in conversation, hyperbole, and expressions of emotion: 'This traffic is taking forever!'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields except in computer science informally (e.g., 'an infinite loop runs forever').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forever”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forever”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forever”
- Using 'for ever' in American English (always use 'forever').
- Using 'forever' with a past simple verb for a finished state: 'He lived there forever' (implies he's dead) vs. 'He has lived there forever' (he still does).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are considered correct, but 'forever' is the modern, standard form in both AmE and BrE. 'For ever' is an older, literary form now rarely used.
Yes, informally, especially in romantic or sentimental contexts (e.g., 'They dreamed of a forever together'). It's not used in formal writing.
They are often synonyms meaning permanently. 'For good' is slightly more informal and often used for decisions (e.g., 'He left the country for good'). 'Forever' has a more timeless/eternal feel.
The stress is on the second syllable: /fɔːrˈev.ər/. The first syllable sounds like 'for'.
For an infinite or limitless duration of time.
Forever is usually neutral, used across all registers from informal to formal. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “forever and a day”
- “forever and ever”
- “a forever home (for pets)”
- “take forever”
- “last forever”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the phrase 'FOR EVer and Ever' smushed together to make FOREVER.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LINEAR JOURNEY (stretching forever into the distance). ENDURING STATES ARE ETERNAL (a forever love).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'forever' used to express a persistent, annoying habit?