Perpetuate - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To perpetuate means to cause something to continue indefinitely, often a tradition, idea, or situation. It implies keeping something alive or active over time, sometimes without change.
Definition:
To make something continue indefinitely, often a negative situation or belief.
Synonyms:
sustain, prolong, maintain, preserve
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
terminate, cease, end
Common Collocations:
perpetuate a myth, perpetuate inequality, perpetuate tradition
Derivatives:
perpetuation, perpetuator
Usage Tips:
Use "perpetuate" when describing actions that keep something (often negative) ongoing over time.
Common Phrases:
perpetuate the cycle, perpetuate stereotypes, perpetuate the status quo
Etymology:
From Latin "perpetuare," meaning "to make perpetual," derived from "perpetuus" (continuous).
Examples:
- 1. The media often perpetuates unrealistic beauty standards.
- 2. Gossip can perpetuate harmful rumors in a community.
- 3. Some traditions perpetuate outdated gender roles unintentionally.
- 4. Avoid using stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination.