Wondering what ad infinitum means? This classy term has been adding a dash of scholarly elegance to our conversations for centuries, proving that some things really do go on forever. But what’s the meaning of it, and how are you supposed to use it? I’ll go over all the details of the ad infinitum definition and share a few sentence examples to show you what I mean.
Ad Infinitum Meaning
Ad infinitum is a Latin adverb for to infinity. Much like the famous Buzz Lightyear line, it implies something happening to infinity and beyond! But unlike Mr. Lightyear’s space adventures, ad infinitum usually refers to repetitive, endless processes rather than some exciting, interstellar escapades. Bummer, right?
In English, it’s not commonly found in relaxed settings, but you might come across it in formal texts and such. Whatever the case, it’ll follow the verb it’s modifying.
What Does Et Cetera Ad Infinitum Mean?
Et cetera means and the others or and so forth. Combine et cetera with ad infinitum, and you’ve got yourself an ultra-fancy way of saying and so on and so forth, forever. Sure, it’s just as easy to say that, but et cetera ad infinitum just sounds way cooler and much more sophisticated.
Origin and Etymology of Ad Infinitum
Ad infinitum derives from the beautiful Latin language, that ancient, scholarly way of speaking that’s given us everything from carpe diem to alma mater.
It’s been used in English since at least the 1630s to describe things that continue without end, basically, to infinity.
Other Ways to Say Ad Infinitum
Latin terminology might not always fit in the context you’re dealing with, so try any of these similar terms and phrases that mean the same thing.
- Endlessly
- Indefinitely
- Forever and ever
- Perpetually
- Forevermore
- Continually
- To infinity
- Forever and a day
Using Ad Infinitum in a Sentence
Ready to sprinkle a little Latin into your language? Here are some examples showing how to properly use ad infimum.
- My daughter could listen to her grandfather’s bedtime stories ad infinitum; each one was always more captivating than the last.
- The universe as we know it goes on ad infinitum.
- The professor discussed the theorem ad infinitum, and I dozed off for most of the lecture and woke up an hour later, and he was still talking about it.
- Charlie practiced the piano ad infinitum, determined to teach herself, and it finally paid off.
- Our love is eternal and will go on ad infinitum.
- The argument went on ad infinitum; they didn’t even notice when I left and came back two hours later.
To Infinity and Beyond!
There we have it! Whenever you see the term ad infinitum, just remember that it simply means to infinity! If you forget, just think of Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story saying his iconic line! Latin loanwords like this can add some flare to your speech and writing, so be sure to play around with it and see how you can work it into a sentence from time to time.