Eternal vs. Infinite — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 13, 2024
Eternal refers to time, suggesting unending duration, while infinite pertains to space or quantity, implying limitless extent or amount.
Difference Between Eternal and Infinite
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eternal is often used in contexts that involve time, suggesting something that has no beginning or end. It is a term frequently associated with philosophical, religious, or metaphysical discussions about life, the universe, or deities. For example, many religions refer to the eternal nature of the soul or an afterlife. In contrast, infinite is more commonly associated with concepts of space, quantity, or mathematics, indicating something without any limits or boundaries. The universe, for instance, is often described as infinite in extent.
The concept of eternity emphasizes a temporal continuum that stretches beyond the human understanding of time, often suggesting a state of timelessness or an existence that transcends time itself. Infinity, however, is more about the absence of measurable limits, whether in physical space, numerical values, or theoretical constructs, such as infinite possibilities or potential.
In literature and art, eternity might be used to convey themes of everlasting love, life beyond death, or the unchanging nature of certain truths or ideals. Infinite, meanwhile, might be used to express the boundless scope of imagination, the endless complexity of human emotions, or the vastness of the natural world.
In practical applications, the term eternal is less commonly used in scientific or mathematical contexts, where measurable data and observable phenomena are paramount. Infinite, on the other hand, plays a crucial role in various fields such as mathematics, physics, and computer science, helping to describe concepts like infinite series, infinite space, or potentially infinite computational processes.
Despite their different primary associations, both terms share a conceptual link to the idea of something that goes beyond human capacity to fully comprehend or measure. Whether discussing the eternal nature of time or the infinite expanse of the universe, both concepts challenge the limits of human understanding and invite contemplation of the vastness and complexity of existence.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Association
Time
Space, Quantity
Common Contexts
Philosophy, religion, metaphysics
Mathematics, physics, space
Implication
Unending duration, timelessness
Limitless extent or amount
Usage in Literature/Art
Themes of everlasting love, life beyond death
Expressing boundless imagination, complexity
Practical Applications
Less common in scientific contexts
Crucial in mathematics, physics, computer science
Compare with Definitions
Eternal
Lasting forever; without end.
The poets often muse about the eternal beauty of nature.
Infinite
Immeasurably great or large.
She felt an infinite sadness at the news.
Eternal
Existing outside of time.
Some believe the soul is eternal.
Infinite
Indefinitely or exceedingly great.
The mathematical concept of infinity is fundamental in calculus.
Eternal
Unchanging; constant.
The eternal truths of the universe remain undiscovered.
Infinite
Without limits; boundless.
The universe is vast and infinite.
Eternal
Perpetual; ceaseless.
They promised each other eternal love.
Infinite
Unlimited in extent or size.
The infinite reaches of space continue to perplex scientists.
Eternal
Infinite in temporal duration.
The concept of eternal life fascinates many.
Infinite
Endless in time or space.
He stared into the infinite sky, lost in thought.
Eternal
Being without beginning or end
Belief in an eternal creator.
Infinite
Limitless or endless in space, extent, or size; impossible to measure or calculate
The infinite number of stars in the universe
The infinite mercy of God
Eternal
Continuing without interruption; perpetual
Earned my eternal gratitude.
Infinite
Another term for non-finite
Eternal
Seemingly endless; interminable
Eternal waiting at the airport.
Infinite
A space or quantity that is infinite
Beyond the infinite, the space traveller is transformed
Eternal
Something timeless, uninterrupted, or endless
"Shall we speak of universals and eternals?" (Cynthia Ozick).
Infinite
Having no boundaries or limits; impossible to measure or calculate.
Eternal
Eternal God. Used with the.
Infinite
Immeasurably great or large; boundless
Infinite patience.
A discovery of infinite importance.
Eternal
Lasting forever; unending.
Infinite
Existing beyond or being greater than any arbitrarily large value.
Eternal
(philosophy) existing outside time; as opposed to sempiternal, existing within time but everlastingly
Infinite
Unlimited in spatial extent
A line of infinite length.
Eternal
(hyperbolic) Constant; perpetual; ceaseless; ever-present.
Infinite
Of or relating to a set capable of being put into one-to-one correspondence with a proper subset of itself.
Eternal
(dated) Exceedingly great or bad; used as an intensifier.
Some eternal villain
Infinite
Something infinite.
Eternal
One who lives forever; an immortal.
Infinite
Indefinably large, countlessly great; immense.
Eternal
Without beginning or end of existence; always existing.
The eternal God is thy refuge.
To know wether there were any real being, whose duration has been eternal.
Infinite
Boundless, endless, without end or limits; innumerable.
Eternal
Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal.
That they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
Infinite
(with plural noun) Infinitely many.
Eternal
Continued without intermission; perpetual; ceaseless; constant.
And fires eternal in thy temple shine.
Infinite
(mathematics) Greater than any positive quantity or magnitude; limitless.
Eternal
Existing at all times without change; immutable.
Hobbes believed the eternal truths which he opposed.
What are the eternal objects of poetry among all nations, and at all times?
Infinite
Having infinitely many elements.
Eternal
Exceedingly great or bad; - used as a strong intensive.
Infinite
(grammar) Not limited by person or number.
Eternal
One of the appellations of God.
Law whereby the Eternal himself doth work.
Infinite
(music) Capable of endless repetition; said of certain forms of the canon, also called perpetual fugues, constructed so that their ends lead to their beginnings.
Eternal
That which is endless and immortal.
Infinite
Infinitely many.
Eternal
Continuing forever or indefinitely;
The ageless themes of love and revenge
Eternal truths
Life everlasting
Hell's perpetual fires
The unending bliss of heaven
Infinite
Something that is infinite in nature.
Eternal
Lasting for an indefinitely long period of time
Infinite
(video games) A combo that can be used repeatedly without interruption.
Eternal
Tiresomely long; seemingly without end;
Endless debates
An endless conversation
The wait seemed eternal
Eternal quarreling
An interminable sermon
Infinite
Unlimited or boundless, in time or space; as, infinite duration or distance.
Whatever is finite, as finite, will admit of no comparative relation with infinity; for whatever is less than infinite is still infinitely distant from infinity; and lower than infinite distance the lowest or least can not sink.
Infinite
Without limit in power, capacity, knowledge, or excellence; boundless; immeasurably or inconceivably great; perfect; as, the infinite wisdom and goodness of God; - opposed to finite.
Great is our Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.
O God, how infinite thou art!
Infinite
Indefinitely large or extensive; great; vast; immense; gigantic; prodigious.
Infinite riches in a little room.
Which infinite calamity shall causeTo human life.
Infinite
Greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind; - said of certain quantities.
Infinite
Capable of endless repetition; - said of certain forms of the canon, called also perpetual fugues, so constructed that their ends lead to their beginnings, and the performance may be incessantly repeated.
Infinite
That which is infinite; boundless space or duration; infinity; boundlessness.
Not till the weight is heaved from off the air, and the thunders roll down the horizon, will the serene light of God flow upon us, and the blue infinite embrace us again.
Infinite
An infinite quantity or magnitude.
Infinite
An infinity; an incalculable or very great number.
Glittering chains, embroidered richly o'erWith infinite of pearls and finest gold.
Infinite
The Infinite Being; God; the Almighty.
Infinite
Having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude;
The infinite ingenuity of man
Infinite wealth
Infinite
Of verbs; having neither person nor number nor mood (as a participle or gerund or infinitive);
Infinite verb form
Infinite
Too numerous to be counted;
Incalculable riches
Countless hours
An infinite number of reasons
Innumerable difficulties
The multitudinous seas
Myriad stars
Untold thousands
Infinite
Total and all-embracing;
God's infinite wisdom
Common Curiosities
What does eternal mean?
Eternal refers to something that lasts forever, without beginning or end, often used in the context of time.
How do eternity and infinity challenge human understanding?
Both concepts represent extremes that go beyond the finite human capacity to fully comprehend or measure, inviting contemplation of the vastness of existence.
Can something be both eternal and infinite?
Conceptually, yes. Some philosophical or metaphysical constructs might be considered both eternal in time and infinite in scope or magnitude.
Is the concept of eternity more philosophical than infinite?
Eternity often appears in philosophical, religious, or metaphysical discussions about time and existence, whereas infinite is a key concept in mathematics and science.
How is infinite different from eternal?
Infinite implies limitless extent or amount, often associated with space or quantity, whereas eternal suggests an unending duration, primarily related to time.
What role does infinity play in mathematics?
Infinity is fundamental in various areas of mathematics, including calculus and set theory, helping to describe concepts like infinite series or limits.
How do artists and writers use the concepts of eternal and infinite?
Artists and writers use these concepts to explore themes like everlasting love, the boundlessness of imagination, or the complexity of the human condition.
Is the universe eternal, infinite, or both?
The universe is often described as infinite in extent, but whether it is eternal, having no beginning or end in time, remains a subject of scientific and philosophical debate.
Can humans experience the eternal or infinite?
While humans can conceptualize eternity and infinity, experiencing them directly is beyond our temporal and spatial limitations.
Are eternal and infinite only abstract concepts?
While they are abstract in nature, these concepts have practical implications and uses in fields such as mathematics, physics, and theology.
What is the significance of infinite in physics?
In physics, the concept of the infinite helps in understanding phenomena at both the cosmic scale, like the universe, and the subatomic scale, like quantum states.
How do religions typically view eternity?
Many religions view eternity in the context of an afterlife or a divine realm, suggesting a state of existence that transcends earthly time.
Can science prove something is eternal or infinite?
Science can theorize about concepts like the eternal nature of certain laws or the infinite extent of the universe, but definitive proof is often beyond current capabilities.
Do eternity and infinity have practical applications?
Yes, beyond their philosophical implications, these concepts have practical applications in fields like theoretical physics, computer science, and cosmology.
How do eternity and infinity relate to each other?
Both concepts describe extremes beyond the ordinary human experience, with eternity focusing on unending time and infinity on boundless space or quantity.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
