Something durable lasts a long time, so it's no surprise that the word comes to us, via Anglo-French, from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and durance (which now mostly turns up in the phrase "in durance vile," a fancy way of saying "in prison"). Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."
lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.
a book that left a lasting impression on me
permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.
permanent living arrangements
durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.
durable fabrics
stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.
a stable government
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebAvailable in three colorways and small and large sizes, this lightweight yet durable bag is the perfect travel buddy for your upcoming adventures. Alyssa Brascia, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2022 Comfortable, durable, and stylish patio furniture is hard to find. Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Sep. 2022 The Prvke is comfortable, durable, and has all of the pockets a gadget-laden photographer or videographer could hope for. Louryn Strampe, WIRED, 3 Sep. 2022 More durable and flexible bronze tools and weapons were manufactured; towns began to become cities. Adam Kuper, WSJ, 2 Sep. 2022 Choose from a multitude of color ways in both standard fabrics and slightly pricier (but more durable) performance fabrics. Alison Allsopp, Country Living, 25 Aug. 2022 Plus, many are crafted with durable and machine-washable materials, like canvas and nylon, which makes cleaning up any messes or stains a cinch. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 24 Aug. 2022 The pilot aims to create a modular, durable and affordable home that is climate friendly, addresses housing needs and encourages equity. Talis Shelbourne, Journal Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2022 CamelBak’s Chute Mag 32-ounce water bottle is both durable and completely leakproof.Outside Online, 23 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during