This word is different from the word “eternal”, although both mean to last forever. Eternal comes from the Latin “aeternalis” and “aevum” meaning age or eternity. The word “sempeternal” is much less common than “eternal”, but some writers like to use it for a special meaning.
How to use Sempiternal in writing
The famous 19th century American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson used it in the sentence: “The only thing we seek with insatiable desire is to forget ourselves, … to lose our earthly memory and to do something without knowing how or why…” as noted by Merriam-Webster.
An example in modern scripture: “But law, and especially half-truth distinctions between right and wrong, are never based on contracts or consent. —Daniel J. Mahoney, National Review, June 20, 2019.
Sempiternal history
The first use of sempiternal in English was in the 15th century. According to Etymonline, sempiternal was also used in Middle English as “sempitern” in the late 14th century. The word originally went through Old French “sempyternel” in the 13th century before making its way into English, according to Etymonline.
Meaning and Uses of Sempiternal
Sempiternal literally breaks down as:
- sem- = one or the same
- for = through
- -nal = always
It means “eternal, constant, or eternal.” Related forms of the word include sempiternally (adverb) and sempiternity (noun). Today, the sempiternal is used more in literature, poetry, or formal writing than in everyday speech. A key distinction to remember: eternal = never ending in time, sempiternal = ever continuing and unchanging.
How to use Sempiternal in a sentence
- The love between parent and child is often described as a semester.
- The beauty of nature has its own mysterious charm that never fades.
- The philosopher wrote about the eternal truths of life.
- People often admire sisterly values such as honesty and kindness.
- The stars in the night sky seem semi-mundane, shining forever.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. What does sempiternal mean?
Sempiternal means something that lasts forever, never ending or changing.
Q2. How does the semi-eternal differ from the eternal?
Sempiternal means always continuing while eternal means never ending in time.
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