adv B1 Intermediate Common

permanently

PUR-muh-nuhnt-lee

Permanently (adv) means In a way that lasts forever, or for good. Example: “The factory closed permanently last year.”

adv

In a way that lasts forever, or for good.

"The factory closed permanently last year."

"He moved to Spain permanently after retiring."

How to use permanently

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishFor good, with no plan to change or reverse it.

Common pairings

permanently closed permanently disabled

Word forms

more permanently comparative, most permanently superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The factory closed _____ last year.

Etymology

From permanent + -ly.

Synonyms

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forever for good lastingly enduringly irreversibly once and for all

Antonyms

temporarily transiently

Related words

years never always often moment finally usually forever

Rhymes for permanently

gently recently fluently urgently silently intently patently decently currently fervently patiently evidently

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Frequently asked questions

What does “permanently” mean?

The word “permanently” means in a way that lasts forever, or for good. In plain terms, for good, with no plan to change or reverse it.

How do you pronounce “permanently”?

“Permanently” is pronounced PUR-muh-nuhnt-lee (/ˈpɝmənəntli/ in IPA).

How do you use “permanently” in a sentence?

Here is “permanently” used in a sentence: “The factory closed permanently last year.”

What is the opposite of “permanently”?

The opposite of “permanently” — its antonyms — are temporarily and transiently.

What part of speech is “permanently”?

“Permanently” is an adverb.

Is “permanently” a common word?

“Permanently” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between permanently and temporarily?

They are direct opposites. Permanently means in a way that lasts forever or for good, while temporarily means for a limited time only. A shop that is permanently closed will not reopen; one that is temporarily closed intends to open again.

Is it permanently or permanantly?

The correct spelling is permanently: permanent plus the ending -ly. Misspellings such as "permanantly" and "permenantly" are common because the middle syllables are unstressed, but only permanently is correct.

What is the difference between permanently and forever?

Both mean for all time, but forever is the more absolute, emotive word, common in speech and expressions like "friends forever." Permanently is the practical choice for statuses, decisions, and records, as in "permanently deleted" or "permanently banned," where it means for good, with no planned reversal.

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