rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryperpetuityEndless duration
noun

perpetuity

per-puh-TOO-uh-tee/ˌpɜːrpəˈtuːəti/

Duration without an end.

The ancient olive tree's fresh shoots evoke life continuing in perpetuity.

A living ancient olive tree with a massive, weathered trunk and fresh green shoots, suggesting a duration stretching far beyond a human lifetime and continuing with no definite end.
Etymology
perpetuLatincontinuous, lasting
+ityLatinstate or quality

The base describes what is continuous or lasting. Perpetuity names that condition as uninterrupted existence, extending the idea of continuity to duration with no definite end.

In context

Mogobe Nuggets Of Wisdom Podcast6:56
the certificate of customary grant doesn't have a time frame. So, it's held in perpetuity.
Nuggets on The Power of Knowledge on Land as Property with Gilbert Sesinyi

More examples

  • The agreement grants access in perpetuity.
  • She hoped the endowment would support the library in perpetuity.
  • The legal phrase referred to perpetuity rather than a fixed term.

Forms

perpetuity

perpetual adjective — continuing without an end

Similar words

eternity
Eternity is endless time; perpetuity often appears in formal arrangements intended to last indefinitely.
permanence
Permanence means enduring stability; perpetuity specifically excludes an ending.