What does perpetuate mean?
Perpetuate means to make something continue indefinitely or to preserve it in an existing form. The word is commonly used with ideas such as traditions, myths, habits, inequalities, and problems: a practice may perpetuate a tradition, while inadequate opportunities can perpetuate inequality. Its connotation depends on what is being continued. Neutral when describing the preservation of valuable customs or knowledge, it is often critical when referring to systems that allow disadvantage, error, or hostility to persist. The verb is formal and normally transitive, so it is followed by a direct object, as in “perpetuate a myth.” In general writing, it is more precise than simply saying “continue,” because it suggests that something is deliberately kept in existence over time. The related adjective perpetual expresses the resulting state of lasting indefinitely, while perpetuation names the process of preserving or continuing something.
verbTo make something continue indefinitely, especially a condition, practice, problem, or claim.
- Make something continue indefinitely, especially a condition, practice, problem, or claim.
- Preserve or transmit something, such as a tradition, myth, or institution, so that it persists.
"The committee sought to perpetuate the tradition of community service among local students."
"Unchecked speculation can perpetuate uncertainty throughout the organization."
"The museum's educational programme helps perpetuate traditional craftsmanship for future generations."
The Latin root perpetuus meant “lasting forever”: to perpetuate something is to give it staying power.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perpetuate come from?
The English verb was borrowed in the 16th century from French perpetuer, from Latin perpetuare, meaning “to make perpetual.” The Latin verb was based on perpetuus, meaning “continuous” or “lasting forever,” which also underlies English cognates such as perpetual and perpetuity. English later developed perpetuation for the process or result of making something last, and perpetuator for a person or thing that perpetuates something.
Related word forms
How perpetuate is actually used
This is a formal transitive verb, normally used with an object. It is especially common in discussions of traditions and culture, but it often carries a negative connotation when applied to problems, inequalities, myths, or harmful practices.
Easily confused with perpetuate
To perpetuate is to make something continue, whereas to perpetrate is to carry out an act, typically one that is harmful or disreputable.