What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incessant
Example
The incessant rain made it difficult to go outside. [incessant: adjective]
Example
The baby's incessant crying kept us up all night. [incessantly: adverb]
perpetual
Example
The perpetual motion machine was a popular topic in physics. [perpetual: adjective]
Example
The company's perpetual growth strategy led to its success. [perpetually: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Incessant is less common than perpetual in everyday language. Incessant is often used to describe annoying or frustrating sounds or behaviors, while perpetual is more commonly used to describe states of being or behaviors that continue indefinitely.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between incessant and perpetual?
Both incessant and perpetual are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, incessant may be considered slightly more informal due to its negative connotation.
