What is the meaning of 'perpetual'?

The meaning of 'perpetual' is best captured by the idea of something that continues forever or indefinitely. When something is described as perpetual, it signifies a state that is unending and persistent without interruption. This can be applied in various contexts, such as perpetual motion, which refers to motion that continues indefinitely without an external source of energy, or a perpetual calendar, which shows dates continuously over long periods. The concept inherently contrasts with states that are temporary, limited, or occasional, which highlights why the other choices do not align with the definition of 'perpetual.'