aeternus
[ae̯ˈtɛr.nʊs]
The English word 'eternal' is translated into Latin as aeternus. Wiktionary also lists sempiternus.
Meaning: lasting forever (adj)
Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| aeternus | [ae̯ˈtɛr.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [eˈtɛr.nus] (narrow) |
| sempiternus | [sɛm.pɪˈtɛr.nʊs] (Classical Latin, narrow) [sem.piˈtɛr.nus] (narrow) |
The words are used to describe something that lasts forever.
What does it mean word for word?
The word sempiternus is a compound of semper, meaning 'always' and aeternus, meaning 'eternal'.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean eternal, aeternus often implies a state that is timeless or exists outside of time. In contrast, sempiternus implies something that is everlasting, meaning it persists through all time.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, aeternus must agree in gender, number and case with the noun it modifies. For example, aeternam is the feminine accusative singular form, while aeterni can function as either a masculine/feminine genitive singular or a masculine nominative plural.
Did you know?
- While aeternus describes the infinite, the related word aevum was used to describe the specific kind of time experienced by angels, sitting between the temporal time of humans and the timelessness of God.
- The Roman concept of aeternitas was not just a description of time but was personified as a goddess who represented the enduring nature of the Roman Empire.
- The suffix in sempiternus links it to a specific group of Latin adjectives including hesternus, which means 'yesterday's'.
Examples in context
- Nullus amor sempiternus.There is no eternal love.This sentence uses the form sempiternus.Tatoeba #3868593 by alexmarcelo, translation #3865407 by kkflf4
- Ut amicitiae aeterna sempiternaque fiant.May friendships become eternal and everlasting.
- Vivere in aeternum, vivere in saecula.To live eternally, to live forever.
- Aeternus est dies gloriae.The day of glory is eternal.
Example conversation
Julia and Marcus are discussing the nature of time.
- JuliaCredisne in vitam aeternus?Do you believe in eternal life?
- MarcusIta, Marcus id credit.Yes, Marcus believes that.
- JuliaEstne hoc aeternus mysterium?Is this an eternal mystery?
- MarcusCertum est, Julia.It is certain, Julia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eternal” translations and entries aeternus, sempiternus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aeternus, sempiternus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
