Interminable

Adjective

Definition: Endless or seemingly endless in duration or extent.

Synonyms: Endless, Infinite, Everlasting

Antonyms: Finite, Limited, Brief

Examples:

The meeting dragged on for interminable hours.
She was trapped in an interminable loop of thoughts.

Mnemonics:

Think of the word "terminate" meaning to end, and "inter-" as a prefix adding a negation to the word, creating the idea of something that does not end.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "interminable" originated from the Late Latin word "interminabilis", which is derived from the Latin words "in" meaning "not" and "terminare" meaning "to limit, to end."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the late 15th century and has maintained its meaning of "endless" throughout history.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Interminable wait"

Explanation:

Referring to a wait that feels never-ending or without a definite conclusion.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "interminable" with "innumerable."

Explanation:

While both words convey a sense of a large quantity, "interminable" emphasizes the idea of endlessness, while "innumerable" refers to an uncountable or very large number.