What does "perpetuate" mean?
To make (something) perpetual; to make (something) continue for an indefinite time; also, to preserve (something) from extinction or oblivion.
Perpetuate
/pəˈpɛt͡ʃʊeɪt/ adj, verb
adj, verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To make (something) perpetual; to make (something) continue for an indefinite time; also, to preserve (something) from extinction or oblivion.
- Grammar: perpetuate is listed as adj, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: bolster, commit, conserve, continue.
- Useful contrasts: amends, countering, dispelling.
- Usage evidence: Every nation seeks to perpetuate itself.
How to use "perpetuate"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "perpetuate" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "perpetuate" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "perpetuate" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "perpetuate" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "perpetuate" is acting as adj, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bolster" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "perpetuate", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To make (something) perpetual; to make (something) continue for an indefinite time; also, to preserve (something) from extinction or oblivion. transitive
"I am contented to contynue it for my tyme, but to perpetuate it lyeth nat in my power."
- 2 cause to continue or prevail wordnet
- 3 To make (something) perpetual; to make (something) continue for an indefinite time; also, to preserve (something) from extinction or oblivion.; To record (the testimony of a witness) which may be lost before a matter comes to trial. transitive
"If vvitneſſes to a diſputable fact are old and infirm, it is very uſual to file a bill to perpetuate the teſtimony of thoſe vvitneſſes, although no ſuit is depending; for, it may be, a man's antagoniſt only vvaits for the death of ſome of them to begin his ſuit. This is moſt frequent vvhen lands are deviſed by vvill avvay from the heir at lavv; and the deviſee, in order to perpetuate the teſtimony of the vvitneſſes to ſuch vvill, exhibits a bill in chancery againſt the heir, […]"
- 4 To prolong the existence of (something) by repetition; to reinforce. transitive
"He who praiseth obscurity perpetuateth it."
Adjective
- 1 Perpetual, or made perpetual; continued for an indefinite time.
"The wele suertie and comfort perpetuat of theym ther heires and successours."
Antonyms
Example
"Every nation seeks to perpetuate itself."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "perpetuate"?
Common synonyms include: bolster, commit, conserve, continue, continue, continue the feud.
How do you use "perpetuate" in a sentence?
Every nation seeks to perpetuate itself.
How do you pronounce "perpetuate"?
Pronounced /pəˈpɛt͡ʃʊeɪt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
(16th century) From earlier perpetuat, learned borrowing from Latin perpetuātus (“perpetuated”), perfect passive participle of perpetuō (“to cause to continue uninterruptedly, to proceed with continually, to make perpetual, perpetuate”) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from perpetuus (“everlasting, perpetual”) + -ō (first conjugation verb-forming suffix), from per- (“thoroughly, very”) + petō (“to ask, request; to look for; to make for (somewhere)”) + -uus (forms adjectives from verbal stems), literally “that is asked with great zeal, over and over again”, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *peth₂- (“to spread out; to fly”). Cognates * Catalan perpetuar * Italian perpetuare * Old French perpetué (adjective) (Middle French perpetué (adjective)); Middle French perpétuer (verb) (modern French perpétuer (verb)) * Old Occitan perpetuar * Portuguese perpetuar * Spanish perpetuar
Etymology 2
From earlier preparat (see Etymology 1 and -ate (adjective-forming suffix) for more).