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perpetuo

perpetual, permanent

adjective pehr-PEH-twoh Rare

Origin: From Latin perpetuus (continuous, unbroken).

Usage Note

Perpetuo is used in formal and legal language: cadena perpetua (life sentence, literally 'perpetual chain') and movimiento perpetuo (perpetual motion). In everyday speech permanente or eterno are more common. It typically precedes or follows the noun without changing the meaning depending on position.

Examples

"Fue condenado a cadena perpetua por el asesinato."

Natural Translation

He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder.

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