Definition of eternal

The word "eternal" comes from the Latin adjective aeternus, which means "everlasting" or "without end." The root of the word aeternus can be traced back to the Late Latin aeternitas, which meant "eternity" or "timelessness." The ancient Romans used aeternus to refer to abstract concepts like life, youth, and wisdom that were believed to be eternal or timeless. In Greek, the equivalent adjective for eternal is aionios, which comes from the Greek word aion, meaning "age" or "eternity." The English word "eternal" appeared in Middle English around the 13th century, and it was originally used to describe something that had no end or duration. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include more abstract concepts like innocence, mercy, and justice, which are also considered eternal. Today, the word "eternal" is commonly used in religious contexts to describe God or the afterlife, but it is also used to describe more secular things like love, friendship, and creativity, which are believed to be enduring and unending. The adjective "eternal" serves as a powerful reminder of the timeless qualities that exist in the world, and it helps to remind us of the importance of preserving those qualities for future generations.