Perpétuer

Perpétuer is a French verb meaning to make something last over time, to carry on, or to preserve from fading. It is commonly used to describe actions that keep traditions, memories, practices, or institutions alive across generations.

Etymology and related terms: the verb comes from Latin perpetuus, meaning lasting or continuous, via Old French. The root perpet- is shared with the adjective perpétuel and the English verb perpetuate. The sense centers on duration and continuity rather than merely existing.

Usage and nuances: perpétuer often implies deliberate effort to maintain continuity, not just passive survival. It is frequently used in cultural, social, or historical contexts—for example, to discuss keeping a tradition, a memory, a savoir-faire, or a customary practice alive. It can contrast with words like préserver (to protect) or pérenniser (to make durable) by emphasizing continuity over time.

Common expressions: perpétuer une tradition, perpétuer le souvenir, perpétuer une pratique, perpétuer la mémoire. In discourse, the verb can carry positive connotations of continuity and heritage, while in critical contexts it might underscore resistance to change.

Conjugation notes: perpétuer is a regular -er verb and follows the standard conjugation patterns of that class. Examples in the present indicative include je perpétue, tu perpétues, il perpétue, nous perpétons, vous perpétez, ils perpétuent. The passé composé typically uses the auxiliary avoir, as in il a perpétué. The past participle is perpétué (feminine perpétuée). Cognates exist in other languages, such as English perpetual or perpetuate.