Forever vs. Infinity — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 23, 2024
Forever refers to an indefinite, unending duration, often used in a temporal context; infinity, on the other hand, is a concept in mathematics and philosophy that denotes something without any limits.
Difference Between Forever and Infinity
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Forever is commonly used to describe a period that extends indefinitely into the future, often used in everyday language to express an unending duration. Infinity, however, is more abstract and used primarily in mathematics and physics to represent a quantity that exceeds any assignable quantity or count.
Forever captures the essence of time that never concludes, frequently found in poetic and romantic contexts. Infinity is not restricted to time alone; it also encompasses endless quantities or dimensions in mathematical spaces.
Forever can apply to scenarios within human understanding and experience, such as a promise to last "forever." Infinity extends beyond human tangible experiences, often challenging to fully comprehend or visualize.
Forever has practical implications in literature and daily speech, emphasizing permanence or long duration. Infinity plays a critical role in theories and equations in physics and mathematics, providing essential understanding of limitless concepts.
Forever suggests a continuation within the known universe and human life. Infinity expands into theoretical constructs that may not have physical or practical representation, such as infinite sets in mathematics.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Temporal contexts
Mathematical and philosophical
Implication
Unending time
Limitless quantity or dimension
Context of Use
Everyday language, literature
Mathematics, physics
Human Comprehension
Within human experience
Often beyond practical understanding
Example in Sentence
"Their love lasted forever."
"The universe is infinite."
Compare with Definitions
Forever
Lasting for an infinite amount of time.
She promised to love him forever.
Infinity
A quantity greater than any assignable or countable number.
The series approaches infinity.
Forever
For an indefinite period.
They decided to part ways forever.
Infinity
In calculus, a concept used to describe limits that do not exist.
As x approaches zero, the value of 1/x approaches infinity.
Forever
Continually recurring.
He seems to be forever fixing that car.
Infinity
Endlessness, unlimited space, extent, or size.
The universe stretches into infinity.
Forever
Perpetually, always.
She's forever grateful for the help she received.
Infinity
A point in the distant universe that can never be reached.
He stared into the infinity of space.
Forever
Endlessly, without end.
This meeting feels like it's going to last forever.
Infinity
A state of being limitless or unbounded.
The possibilities with this technology are infinity.
Forever
For everlasting time; eternally
No one can live forever.
Infinity
Infinity is that which is boundless or endless, or something that is larger than any real or natural number. It is often denoted by the infinity symbol shown here.
Forever
At all times; incessantly
Was forever complaining about the job.
Infinity
The state or quality of being infinite
The infinity of space
Forever
A seemingly very long time
It has taken forever to resolve these problems.
Infinity
A number greater than any assignable quantity or countable number (symbol ∞)
The transmission approaches 100% as the frequency tends to infinity
Forever
(duration) For all time, for all eternity; for a lifetime; for an infinite amount of time.
I shall love you forever.
Infinity
The quality or condition of being infinite.
Forever
For a very long time, a seeming eternity.
We had to wait forever to get inside.
That was forever ago.
Infinity
Unbounded space, time, or quantity.
Forever
(frequency) Constantly or frequently.
You are forever nagging me.
Infinity
An indefinitely large number or amount.
Forever
An extremely long time.
I haven't seen him in forever!
Infinity
(Mathematics) The limit that a function is said to approach at x = a when (x) is larger than any preassigned number for all x sufficiently near a.
Forever
(colloquial) A mythical time in the infinite future that will never come.
Sure, I'd be happy to meet with you on the 12th of forever.
Infinity
A range in relation to an optical system, such as a camera lens, representing distances great enough that light rays reflected from objects within the range may be regarded as parallel.
Forever
Permanent, lasting; constant, perpetual.
Infinity
A distance setting, as on a camera, beyond which the entire field is in focus.
Forever
Through eternity; through endless ages; eternally.
Infinity
(uncountable) endlessness, unlimitedness, absence of a beginning, end or limits to size.
Forever
At all times; always.
Infinity
A number that has an infinite numerical value that cannot be counted.
Forever
For a limitless time;
No one can live forever
Brightly beams our Father's mercy from his lighthouse evermore
Infinity
An idealised point which is said to be approached by sequences of values whose magnitudes increase without bound.
Forever
Seemingly without interruption; often and repeatedly;
Always looking for faults
It is always raining
He is forever cracking jokes
They are forever arguing
Infinity
(uncountable) A number which is very large compared to some characteristic number. For example, in optics, an object which is much further away than the focal length of a lens is said to be "at infinity", as the distance of the image from the lens varies very little as the distance increases further.
Forever
For a very long or seemingly endless time;
She took forever to write the paper
We had to wait forever and a day
Infinity
The symbol ∞. Category:en:Infinity
Infinity
Unlimited extent of time, space, or quantity; eternity; boundlessness; immensity.
There can not be more infinities than one; for one of them would limit the other.
Infinity
Unlimited capacity, energy, excellence, or knowledge; as, the infinity of God and his perfections.
Infinity
Endless or indefinite number; great multitude; as an infinity of beauties.
Infinity
A quantity greater than any assignable quantity of the same kind.
Infinity
That part of a line, or of a plane, or of space, which is infinitely distant. In modern geometry, parallel lines or planes are sometimes treated as lines or planes meeting at infinity.
Infinity
Time without end
Common Curiosities
How is forever used in literature?
In literature, forever is often used to emphasize themes of eternal love, loyalty, or ongoing scenarios.
How does understanding infinity help in mathematics?
Understanding infinity helps in dealing with concepts like limits, infinite series, and unbounded functions in mathematics.
Can forever and infinity be used interchangeably?
While both imply boundlessness, their contexts differ; forever is temporal and more tangible, infinity is broader and often abstract.
Is infinity a number?
Infinity is not a number but a concept in mathematics denoting something without any limit.
Can something be forever in reality?
Practically, nothing is forever in the absolute sense, as everything is subject to change or end, though the concept expresses enduring beyond usual limits.
What is the main difference between forever and infinity?
Forever primarily relates to an unlimited duration of time, whereas infinity refers to a limitless quantity or extent beyond just time.
Is the concept of forever realistic in scientific terms?
Scientifically, forever is not realistic as it contradicts the observable changes and endings in the universe.
How do poets use the concept of forever?
Poets use forever to evoke deep emotions and the idea of enduring love or eternal qualities in their works.
What are practical examples of forever?
Phrases like "friends forever" or "forever young" are practical uses in everyday speech to imply long-lasting or permanent states.
Are there different types of infinity in mathematics?
Yes, mathematics recognizes different types of infinity, such as countable and uncountable infinities, which have different properties.
Why is infinity important in physics?
Infinity helps physicists describe concepts and phenomena that are unobservable and theoretically boundless, such as the universe.
Does infinity have a symbol in mathematics?
Yes, the symbol for infinity is ∞, used to denote endless processes or unbounded limits.
Is there a philosophical aspect to infinity?
Philosophically, infinity provokes discussions about the nature of the universe, existence, and the limits of knowledge.
What is an example of infinity in real life?
Real-life examples of infinity are less tangible but can include concepts like the endless number of points in a line segment.
How do children understand forever and infinity?
Children often perceive forever and infinity as very large, indefinite amounts, but they usually grasp forever easier as it relates more to their experiences.
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
