Difference Wiki

Eternal vs. Infinite: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 7, 2023
Eternal means lasting forever, without end in time; infinite means limitless or endless in space, extent, or size.

Key Differences

Eternal is often used in the context of time, referring to something that has no beginning or end. It conveys the idea of perpetual existence. Infinite, however, is a term that is used to describe something without any limits in terms of quantity or extent. When something is eternal, it transcends time itself, like the concept of eternal love or the eternal soul in many philosophical and religious texts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Infinite is more frequently applied to concepts of space, size, or number. For example, the universe is often described as infinite, indicating that it is boundless or immeasurable. While eternal continues in a temporal sequence indefinitely, infinite spreads out in all directions, potentially encompassing an endless array of possibilities or magnitudes.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
Eternal and infinite can intersect in their meanings but are not interchangeable. An eternal being, for example, would exist for an infinite amount of time but not necessarily have infinite attributes in other respects. Conversely, infinite resources do not deplete over time, but this does not imply they exist outside the bounds of time altogether.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
The concept of eternity has a more pronounced place in discussions of life, death, and the metaphysical. It often carries a qualitative aspect, emphasizing the unchanging nature of something. Infinite, in contrast, is quantitative, suggesting an uncountable or immeasurable amount or degree, often used in mathematics and the sciences.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023
Eternal life would mean life without the end of existence, a concept found in many religions. An infinite number of stars suggests a quantity beyond counting, demonstrating the word's usage in astronomy. Thus, while both words deal with the absence of limits, eternal leans toward temporal concepts, and infinite leans toward spatial or numerical concepts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Definition

Without end in time.
Without limits in space, quantity, or size.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Usage in Context

Temporal continuity, often philosophical.
Spatial or quantitative expansiveness, often mathematical.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Implies

Permanence, immortality.
Endlessness, boundlessness.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Common Associations

Life, existence, divinity.
Space, numbers, possibilities.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023

Example

Eternal love.
Infinite space.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Eternal and Infinite Definitions

Eternal

Lasting or existing forever.
They believed in the promise of eternal life.
Huma Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Infinite

Limitless in extent or size.
The night sky seemed to offer infinite stars.
Huma Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Eternal

Without beginning or end.
The eternal universe is a concept in some cosmologies.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Infinite

Immeasurably great or large.
Her patience with the students was infinite.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023

Eternal

Unchanging over time.
Her memory will remain eternal in our hearts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT

Infinite

Greater than any assignable quantity or countable number.
The mathematical concept of infinite series fascinates her.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Eternal

Continuing indefinitely in the future.
He spoke of their friendship as an eternal bond.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Infinite

Without any limits, boundless.
He had an infinite capacity for learning.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Eternal

Perpetually valid or true.
Some consider mathematical truths to be eternal.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023

Infinite

Endlessly numerous.
There are infinite solutions to the problem.
Janet White
Nov 07, 2023

Eternal

Being without beginning or end
Belief in an eternal creator.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 21, 2022

Infinite

Having no boundaries or limits; impossible to measure or calculate.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 21, 2022

Eternal

Continuing without interruption; perpetual
Earned my eternal gratitude.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 21, 2022

Infinite

Immeasurably great or large; boundless
Infinite patience.
A discovery of infinite importance.
Sumera Saeed
Dec 21, 2022

FAQs

What does "eternal" mean?

"Eternal" refers to something that lasts forever, without beginning or end.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Can "infinite" be used to describe time?

Yes, it can describe time that extends endlessly.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Is "eternal" always related to time?

Primarily, yes, it pertains to an unending duration.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Is "eternal" used in religious contexts?

Yes, it's often used to describe the divine or afterlife.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

How is "eternal" used in a sentence?

"The stars are often considered symbols of eternal beauty."
Huma Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

What does "infinite" mean?

"Infinite" describes something without any limits or an unending quantity.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

What is the difference between "eternal" and "everlasting"?

"Eternal" implies no beginning or end, while "everlasting" means lasting forever but having a beginning.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Can "infinite" describe possibilities or variations?

Yes, it can refer to endless possibilities or variations.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Can "eternal" describe love or other emotions?

Yes, it can describe feelings that are perceived to last forever.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023

What is an example of something infinite?

The universe is often considered infinite in its expanse.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023

What is "infinitude"?

"Infinitude" refers to the state of being infinite or having an infinite number of elements.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

How do you pronounce "eternal"?

"Eternal" is pronounced as \i-ˈtər-nəl.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023

How do you pronounce "infinite"?

"Infinite" is pronounced as \ˈin-fə-nət.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

How is "infinite" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, "infinite" refers to a quantity without bound or end.
Harlon Moss
Nov 07, 2023

Can "eternal" and "infinite" be used interchangeably?

They are not always interchangeable as "eternal" often relates to time, while "infinite" refers to any unlimited quantity.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023

Does "infinite" have a noun form?

Yes, the noun form is "infinity."
Sara Rehman
Nov 07, 2023

Are "eternal" and "infinite" scientific terms?

They can be used in scientific contexts but are often associated with philosophical or theoretical concepts.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

What is "eternity"?

"Eternity" is the state of existing forever, in a timeless state.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023

Can objects be described as "eternal"?

Objects can be described as "eternal" in a symbolic or metaphorical sense, but all physical objects have a finite existence in reality.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 07, 2023

Is "infinite" only a theoretical concept?

While often theoretical, it can also describe real-world concepts that are immeasurable.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 07, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons