Lifelong

Definition

Lasting or continuing through the whole of a person's life.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪfˌlɔːŋ/
• Respelling: LYFE-long (with "LYFE" as in "life" and "long" as in "song")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlaɪfˌlɒŋ/
• Respelling: LYFE-long (with "LYFE" as in "life" and "long" as in "song")

In both dialects, "lifelong" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LYFE." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, with the main difference being in the vowel sound of "long" (American: /lɔːŋ/ and British: /lɒŋ/).

Etymology

Derived from the combination of the words "life" and "long", literally meaning 'lasting throughout life'.

Derivatives

• Lifelongness
• Lifelong learner
• Lifelong commitment
• Lifelong habit
• Lifelong friendship

Synonyms

• Perpetual
• Everlasting
• Enduring

Antonyms

• Temporary
• Short-lived
• Ephemeral

Usage

Lifelong is used to describe commitments, habits, relationships, and learning processes that persist throughout an individual's life.

Related Terms

• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last or remain unchanged indefinitely.
• Enduring: Continuing or long-lasting.
• Sustained: Continuing for an extended period or without interruption.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Lifelong (Adjective): Lasting or existing for the duration of a person's life.
  • Example: "They shared a lifelong friendship that began in childhood."

• Lifelong (Adjective): Continuing for the whole of a person's life.
  • Example: "She had a lifelong commitment to learning and self-improvement."