Words / C1

p-uh-PECH-oo-ayt/pəˈpetʃueɪt/

To perpetuate is to make a problem, myth, or situation continue: perpetuate a stereotype, perpetuate inequality. Continue is everyday; prolong is make something last longer (often a process). Perpetual is endless. Do not congratulate yourself for perpetuating a harm.

Meaning

To make something, especially a problem or belief, continue for a long time.

Examples

• “Recycling the same stereotype in the prospectus perpetuates it.”
• “Recycling that line in the prospectus perpetuates the stereotype it claims to fight.”
• “Continue is everyday and neutral; perpetuate often flags a harm or myth you should stop. Prolong a meeting is stretch it. Perpetual noise is endless. Stopping it is the usual academic move.”

Good to know

Keep (a harm or myth) going. Everyday: continue (neutral). Cousin: prolong (stretch out). Adjective: perpetual. Usually a criticism, not a goal.

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