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Permanent vs. Permanently — What's the Difference?

By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 20, 2024
Permanent describes a state or condition that lasts indefinitely, without change. Permanently is an adverb indicating that an action or condition will last for an indefinite duration without change.
Permanent vs. Permanently — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Permanent and Permanently

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Key Differences

Permanent is an adjective used to describe things or states that are meant to last indefinitely, suggesting stability and a lack of change over time. Permanently, as an adverb, modifies verbs and describes the manner in which an action is carried out, indicating that the result or condition is intended to last forever.
When comparing these terms, it's important to note the difference in their grammatical roles. Permanent is used to describe nouns, giving them a characteristic of durability or constancy. Permanently, however, is used with verbs, adding a sense of lasting effect or eternal action to the processes or changes they describe.
While permanent focuses on the enduring nature of states or objects, permanently is concerned with the lasting effects of actions. For example, a permanent marker is designed to leave a lasting mark, whereas when you mark a document permanently, the action of marking it is intended to have a durable effect.
The distinction between these terms also highlights a difference in perspective. Permanent is static, describing a condition that is, whereas permanently is dynamic, indicating the enduring effect of an action. Both terms, however, communicate the idea of indefinite duration and the absence of change, but from different grammatical and conceptual angles.

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Adverb
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Usage

Describes nouns
Modifies verbs

Implication

Durability, constancy
Lasting effect, indefinite duration

Example

Permanent residence
Close a facility permanently

Focus

Nature of states or objects
Effect of actions

Compare with Definitions

Permanent

Designed to not change.
The sculpture is a permanent fixture in the park.

Permanently

To ensure no change.
The decision permanently altered the course of the project.

Permanent

Lasting indefinitely.
She has a permanent position at the university.

Permanently

In a lasting manner.
The data was permanently deleted.

Permanent

Fixed, not temporary.
The committee made a permanent change to the regulations.

Permanently

Without temporal limit.
The artwork was permanently installed in the lobby.

Permanent

Stable or constant.
He achieved permanent residency status.

Permanently

With the intention of enduring.
The road was permanently closed for construction.

Permanent

Enduring quality.
The library offers permanent access to rare manuscripts.

Permanently

Forever, without reversal.
He was permanently banned from the forum.

Permanent

Lasting or remaining without essential change
"the universal human yearning for something permanent, enduring, without shadow of change" (Willa Cather).

Permanently

Permanently is the third studio album by American country music singer Mark Wills. Released in 2000 on Mercury Nashville Records, the album produced three singles on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks (now Country Songs) charts: "Back at One", "Almost Doesn't Count", and "I Want to Know (Everything There Is to Know About You", which peaked at #2, #19, and #33, respectively.

Permanent

Not expected to change in status, condition, or place
A permanent address.
Permanent secretary to the president.

Permanently

Lasting or remaining without essential change
"the universal human yearning for something permanent, enduring, without shadow of change" (Willa Cather).

Permanent

Any of several long-lasting hair styles usually achieved by chemical applications that straighten, curl, or wave the hair.

Permanently

Not expected to change in status, condition, or place
A permanent address.
Permanent secretary to the president.

Permanent

Without end, eternal.
Nothing in this world is truly permanent.

Permanently

Any of several long-lasting hair styles usually achieved by chemical applications that straighten, curl, or wave the hair.

Permanent

Lasting for an indefinitely long time.
The countries are now locked in a permanent state of conflict.

Permanently

In a permanent manner; lastingly.

Permanent

A chemical hair treatment imparting or removing curliness, whose effects typically last for a period of weeks; a perm.

Permanently

Forever.

Permanent

Given an n \times n matrix a_{ij} \,, the sum over all permutations \pi \, of \prod_{i=1}^n{a_{i\pi(i)}}.

Permanently

In a permanent manner.

Permanent

(trading card games) A card whose effects persist beyond the turn on which it is played.

Permanently

For a long time without essential change;
He is permanently disabled

Permanent

To perm (the hair).

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.

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

Common Curiosities

How do you use permanently in a sentence?

"The company has decided to permanently work from a remote model."

Can something permanent become temporary?

While the term implies indefinite duration, changes in circumstances can sometimes lead to what was thought to be permanent becoming temporary or changeable.

Is permanently always final?

While permanently indicates an intention for something to last forever, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes lead to changes.

Can actions be described as permanent?

Actions are typically described as permanently (the adverb) to indicate the lasting effect of the action, not permanent.

What is the main difference between permanent and permanently?

Permanent is an adjective that describes something lasting indefinitely, while permanently is an adverb that describes how an action is carried out to ensure it lasts indefinitely.

Can something be made permanently temporary?

This is conceptually contradictory, as permanently implies an indefinite duration, while temporary suggests a limited timeframe.

What makes a job permanent?

A job is considered permanent if it is ongoing and not contracted to end after a specific period.

Are permanent changes always positive?

No, permanent changes can be positive or negative, depending on the context and perspective.

How do you use permanent in a sentence?

"The museum exhibition was given a permanent home."

How does permanence affect relationships?

The perception of permanence can provide stability in relationships, but it also requires adaptability to change over time.

How do cultures view the concept of permanence?

Cultural views on permanence vary, with some cultures placing a high value on enduring legacies and others emphasizing the impermanence of life and material things.

Is permanently deleting data truly permanent?

In practice, permanently deleting data is intended to make it unrecoverable, but advanced recovery techniques can sometimes retrieve supposedly permanent deletions.

What is the significance of permanent decisions?

Permanent decisions have long-lasting effects and are usually made with careful consideration due to their enduring impact.

Can a permanent marker be removed?

Despite being designed to be indelible, some permanent markers can be removed from certain surfaces with specific cleaning agents.

What are the implications of making a decision permanently?

Making a decision permanently implies a commitment to a course of action with the intention of it lasting indefinitely, often requiring thorough consideration.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.

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