perpétuel
perpetual, everlasting
adjective pehr-peh-too-EL Rare
Origin: Latin perpetualis
Usage Note
Perpétuel agrees in gender: perpétuelle (f). It emphasises something that continues without end or interruption — mouvement perpétuel (perpetual motion), calendrier perpétuel (perpetual calendar). The adverb perpétuellement means 'perpetually'. Do not confuse with éternel, which stresses timelessness rather than unbrokenness.
Examples
"Il est dans un état de perpétuel mécontentement."
Natural Translation
He is in a state of perpetual discontent.
Related Words
Explore French by topic
FrenchNow
7 min read