verb C1 Advanced Uncommon

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 Example: “The film has been criticized for perpetuating outdated stereotypes.”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

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"The film has been criticized for perpetuating outdated stereotypes."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."

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 notes

In 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.

Common pairings

perpetuate a myth perpetuate a stereotype perpetuate the cycle

Word forms

perpetuated past tense, perpetuate plural, perpetuated plural, perpetuates singular, perpetuate singular, perpetuated singular, perpetuatedst singular, perpetuatest singular, perpetuateth singular

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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").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for perpetuate

ate date rate mate fate abate slate plate state grate create update

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.