What are the differences between "infinite" and "eternal"?

  • Thread starter Mohd Abdullah
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Infinite
In summary, "infinite" refers to something with no limit, while "eternal" refers to something that lasts forever and has no beginning or end. Both terms can refer to different aspects, such as time or space, but "eternal" specifically refers to time. There is no hierarchy between the two terms, as "infinite" can have a beginning but no end, while "eternal" has no beginning or end.
  • #1
Mohd Abdullah
99
3
Hi.

What are exactly the differences between the term "infinite" and "eternal"? Some said the term "infinite" means no end but have beginning/starting for example, Cantor's countable infinity. While Cantor's countable infinity have no end, but we can START begin counting it from 1 and so on without stop.

While "eternal" means no beginning and end, so are the term "eternal" greater than "infinite"? Thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
"Eternal" means "lasts forever", referring to time. "Infinite" means "has no limit", referring to pretty much anything.
 
  • #3
Mohd Abdullah said:
Hi.

What are exactly the differences between the term "infinite" and "eternal"? Some said the term "infinite" means no end but have beginning/starting for example, Cantor's countable infinity. While Cantor's countable infinity have no end, but we can START begin counting it from 1 and so on without stop.

While "eternal" means no beginning and end, so are the term "eternal" greater than "infinite"? Thoughts?

No, "infinite" CAN mean a beginning but no end, but it does not have to.

As Nick said, "infinite" can refer to most anything including time, space, things, etc, but "eternal" means having no beginning or end and always means in time, not in space.
 

1. What is the difference between "infinite" and "eternal"?

While both terms refer to something that has no end, "infinite" refers to something that has no limits or boundaries, while "eternal" refers to something that exists outside of time and has no beginning or end.

2. Can something be both infinite and eternal?

Yes, something can be both infinite and eternal. For example, the universe is often described as infinite in size and eternal in existence.

3. Is infinity a number or a concept?

Infinity is a concept, not a number. It represents something that is limitless and has no end.

4. How are the terms "infinite" and "eternal" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, "infinite" is often used to describe a number or quantity that has no upper or lower limit, while "eternal" is used to describe a number or quantity that is constant and unchanging.

5. Can we comprehend infinity or eternity?

While humans may have an understanding of the concepts of infinity and eternity, it is difficult for us to truly comprehend them as they exist beyond our finite understanding of time and space.

Similar threads

  • General Math
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
771
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
277
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
440
Replies
20
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Back
Top