perpetuate
puh-PEHT-shuu-ayt
Perpetuate (verb) means to keep something going indefinitely, often something negative like a problem or stereotype. Example: “The film has been criticized for perpetuating outdated stereotypes.”
verb
1
To keep something going indefinitely, often something negative like a problem or stereotype.
"The film has been criticized for perpetuating outdated stereotypes."
"Low wages perpetuate the cycle of poverty in the region."
2
To preserve something so it is not forgotten.
"The museum works to perpetuate the memory of the town's founders."
How to use perpetuate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cause something to continue, especially something that probably shouldn't.
Common mistake
Almost always used about bad or unwanted things continuing (myths, stereotypes, cycles) — not neutral good news.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
perpetuate a myth
perpetuate a stereotype
perpetuate the cycle
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- perpetuates
- Past tense
- perpetuated
- Archaic forms
- perpetuatedst, perpetuatest, perpetuateth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Low wages _____ the cycle of poverty in the region.
Etymology
From Latin perpetuare, "to make continue without interruption," from perpetuus ("perpetual").
Rhymes for perpetuate
See all rhymes for perpetuate →Frequently asked questions
What does “perpetuate” mean?
The word “perpetuate” means to keep something going indefinitely, often something negative like a problem or stereotype. In plain terms, to cause something to continue, especially something that probably shouldn't.
How do you pronounce “perpetuate”?
“Perpetuate” is pronounced puh-PEHT-shuu-ayt (/pɚˈpɛt͡ʃəˌweɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “perpetuate” in a sentence?
Here is “perpetuate” used in a sentence: “Low wages perpetuate the cycle of poverty in the region.”
What part of speech is “perpetuate”?
“Perpetuate” is a verb.
Where does the word “perpetuate” come from?
The word “perpetuate” comes from Latin. From Latin perpetuare, "to make continue without interruption," from perpetuus ("perpetual").
Is “perpetuate” a common word?
“Perpetuate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “perpetuate” have?
“Perpetuate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to keep something going indefinitely, often something negative like a problem or stereotype.
