sempiternal

Sempiternal is an adjective that describes something as eternal, everlasting, or without end. It signifies a state of being that continues throughout all time, or an endless duration. The word is derived from the Latin words "sempiternus," which itself combines "semper" meaning "always" and "aeternus" meaning "eternal."

While often used interchangeably with "eternal," sempiternal can sometimes carry a nuance of an unending passage of time, as opposed to an existence outside of time. For example, a sempiternal life might refer to a life that lasts forever but still unfolds moment by moment, whereas an eternal being might exist in a state beyond temporal perception.

The concept of sempiternity is explored in various philosophical and theological contexts. It can be applied to concepts such as the soul, certain divine attributes, or even abstract notions like time itself. In literature and poetry, sempiternal is often employed to evoke a sense of profound and unending existence, creating a powerful imagery of timelessness. The word is not commonly used in everyday conversation but is found in more formal or literary discourse.