Permanent vs. Indefinitely — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 26, 2024
"Permanent" refers to a state that lasts forever, without change or end; "indefinitely" suggests a duration without a specified or expected end, but not necessarily forever.
Difference Between Permanent and Indefinitely
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Permanent describes something that is intended to last forever or be everlasting, such as a permanent marker's ink, while indefinitely indicates an unknown or unspecified period of time which may eventually conclude.
A permanent change is one that has no anticipation of reversal, suggesting finality and stability, whereas an indefinitely prolonged situation implies continuity that lacks a defined conclusion, but could potentially end.
Permanent fixtures or attributes are those that cannot be altered or removed, underscoring a sense of immutability; on the other hand, something that lasts indefinitely might still be subject to change or termination in the future.
In legal or formal contexts, permanent typically denotes an unchangeable status, such as permanent residency. Conversely, indefinitely is often used to describe temporary situations that have an uncertain end date, like a suspension.
Commitments described as permanent are understood to have no expiration, like a permanent installation in a museum, whereas plans or arrangements made indefinitely hold a place until further notice, allowing for future finalization or modification.
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Comparison Chart
Duration
Lasts forever, no end
Lasts for an unknown or unspecified period
Flexibility
None, cannot be changed
Potentially changeable or terminable
Usage in Sentences
"She has a permanent job at the library."
"His contract has been extended indefinitely."
Emotional Connotation
Implies stability and finality
Implies uncertainty and openness
Example from Law
Permanent legal status
Indefinite suspension
Compare with Definitions
Permanent
Not expected to change in status, condition, or place.
The sculpture was moved to a permanent exhibit.
Indefinitely
Continuing without a predetermined end date.
His contract allows him to stay indefinitely.
Permanent
Continuing without interruption; enduring.
The monument stands as a permanent reminder of the past.
Indefinitely
Without any definite plans or commitments.
The trip has been extended indefinitely due to circumstances.
Permanent
Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
A permanent ban on smoking in the building.
Indefinitely
In an indefinite manner; without exactness.
The terms of the agreement were stated indefinitely.
Permanent
Being such for all time without change.
They decided to make their residence permanent.
Indefinitely
For an unlimited or unspecified period of time.
The project has been postponed indefinitely.
Permanent
Lasting or remaining without essential change
"the universal human yearning for something permanent, enduring, without shadow of change" (Willa Cather).
Indefinitely
Not clearly or precisely determined.
They will remain on the board indefinitely.
Permanent
Not expected to change in status, condition, or place
A permanent address.
Permanent secretary to the president.
Indefinitely
For an unlimited or unspecified period of time
Talks cannot go on indefinitely
Permanent
Any of several long-lasting hair styles usually achieved by chemical applications that straighten, curl, or wave the hair.
Indefinitely
Unclear; vague.
Permanent
Without end, eternal.
Nothing in this world is truly permanent.
Indefinitely
Lacking precise limits
An indefinite leave of absence.
Permanent
Lasting for an indefinitely long time.
The countries are now locked in a permanent state of conflict.
Indefinitely
Uncertain; undecided
Indefinite about their plans.
Permanent
A chemical hair treatment imparting or removing curliness, whose effects typically last for a period of weeks; a perm.
Indefinitely
In a manner that is not definite.
An indefinitely determined fossil
Permanent
Given an matrix , the sum over all permutations of .
Indefinitely
For a long time, with no defined end.
Permanent
(trading card games) A card whose effects persist beyond the turn on which it is played.
Indefinitely
Forever.
Permanent
To perm (the hair).
Indefinitely
In an indefinite manner or degree; without any settled limitation; vaguely; not with certainty or exactness; as, to use a word indefinitely.
If the world be indefinitely extended, that is, so far as no human intellect can fancy any bound of it.
Permanent
Continuing in the same state, or without any change that destroys form or character; remaining unaltered or unremoved; abiding; durable; fixed; stable; lasting; as, a permanent impression.
Eternity stands permanent and fixed.
Indefinitely
To an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time;
This could go on indefinitely
Permanent
A series of waves in the hair made by applying heat and chemicals
Permanent
Continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place;
Permanent secretary to the president
Permanent address
Literature of permanent value
Permanent
Not capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition;
Permanent brain damage
Permanent
Fixed in place and not subject to change.
He was offered a permanent position in the company.
Common Curiosities
What does indefinitely mean?
Indefinitely means lasting for an unknown or unspecified period of time, without a definite end point.
How do contracts use the terms permanent and indefinitely?
Contracts may specify employment as permanent for ongoing, stable positions, while using indefinitely for extensions without a fixed end date.
What does permanent mean?
Permanent means lasting forever, without the possibility of change or termination.
Can something that is indefinitely set ever become permanent?
Yes, a situation or condition set indefinitely can become permanent if later decisions or changes make it so.
Is a permanent situation ever reversible?
Typically, a permanent situation is considered irreversible, though extraordinary circumstances or interventions may alter this.
Which is more flexible, permanent or indefinitely?
Indefinitely is more flexible, as it implies conditions may change or conclude in the future.
What is an example of a permanent solution?
A permanent solution could be constructing a dam to prevent future flooding.
What is an example of an indefinite delay?
An indefinite delay could occur if a project is paused while awaiting additional funding or decisions.
How does the law interpret permanent vs. indefinitely?
In legal terms, permanent often relates to rights or statuses granted for a lifetime, whereas indefinitely could apply to temporary measures without a set conclusion.
Can indefinite arrangements be planned to become permanent?
Yes, arrangements or measures initially set as indefinite can be planned to transition to permanency based on future assessments or changes.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
