mid-14c., from Old French perpetuel "without end" (12c.) and directly from Latin perpetualis "universal," in Medieval Latin "permanent," from perpetuus "continuous, universal," from perpetis, genitive of Old Latin perpes "lasting," probably from per- "through" + root of petere "to seek, go to, aim at" (see petition (n.)). Related: Perpetually. Perpetual motion is attested from 1590s.
双语例句
1. Little by little she lost the taut, strained air of perpetual anxiety.
长期焦虑带来的紧张而疲惫的神色从她脸上慢慢消失了。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Nothing seems to dampen his perpetual enthusiasm.
似乎没有什么能让他那持久的热情消退。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Outdoors, mosquitoes and midges were a perpetual torment.
