What does perpetuity mean?
Perpetuity means the condition of continuing forever or for an indefinite period. It is most often encountered in the phrase "in perpetuity," which describes something intended to endure without a fixed ending: a trust, an endowment, a tradition, or an institution may exist in perpetuity. In general use, the word carries a sense of permanence and continuity, often implying that a present arrangement will be maintained far into the future. In legal and financial language, it can specifically refer to a right, interest, or property arrangement that lasts indefinitely. Perpetuity is a formal noun, and its use often suggests permanence more strongly than ordinary alternatives such as "permanence" or "everlastingness." It is particularly useful when describing arrangements intended to outlast individual people, organizations, or generations.
nounThe state or condition of lasting forever or indefinitely. In legal contexts, it can refer to an interest or right that continues indefinitely.
- The state of lasting forever or indefinitely.
- A legal interest or right that continues indefinitely.
"The charitable trust was intended to exist in perpetuity."
"The endowment is designed to support the museum in perpetuity."
"She wished to preserve her family home for perpetuity, so she placed it in a trust."
The plural is uncommon in ordinary usage but is standard in legal and financial contexts, where it can refer to multiple perpetual interests or rights.
"The agreement created several perpetualities for the benefit of the family."
The phrase "in perpetuity" promises more than a very long time: it means forever.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perpetuity come from?
Perpetuity entered English in the late Middle English period from the Latin "perpetuitas," meaning endlessness or duration. The Latin word was derived from "perpetuus," meaning uninterrupted or everlasting, ultimately from the prefix "per-" and the root "petere," related to seeking or aiming. The same Latin foundation produced English words such as "perpetual" and "perpetuate," reflecting the shared idea of continuation without end.
How perpetuity is actually used
The phrase "in perpetuity" is formal and especially common in legal, financial, and institutional contexts. Outside these settings, it can sound deliberately grand or emphatic when describing something intended to last indefinitely.
Easily confused with perpetuity
Perpetuity is a noun meaning indefinite duration, while perpetual is an adjective describing something that continues forever.