perennial

/pəˈɹɛni.əl/

Group 20Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring; recurring
GRE

Example in Context

Funding for public schools remains a perennial issue in local politics, resurfacing with predictable regularity at every election.

Synonyms

lastingenduringongoing

Etymology

From Latin meaning 'through the years', it signifies something enduring.

  • per- (Latin) — through
  • annus (Latin) — year

Memory Aid

🐱Sounds like “purr annual

My cat PURRING every year like clockwork — it’s a PERENNIAL sound of joy!

Visual Association

🌼A beautiful flower blooming year after year, representing the concept of perennial beauty.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “perennial” mean on the GRE?

perennial (adjective) means “Lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring; recurring”. Funding for public schools remains a perennial issue in local politics, resurfacing with predictable regularity at every election.

How to remember “perennial” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “perennial” sounds like “purr annual”. My cat PURRING every year like clockwork — it’s a PERENNIAL sound of joy!

What are synonyms for “perennial”?

Common synonyms: lasting, enduring, ongoing.