eternal
The word "eternal" is often used in a formal or poetic way when talking about religion, philosophy, or the universe. In everyday conversation, it is frequently used as a hyperbole (an exaggeration). For example, if someone says they are waiting in an "eternal queue," they don't mean it actually lasts forever, but that it feels very long and frustrating.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon, both are sitting in a tedious quarterly review meeting.
Mark
David is on a roll. This meeting is becoming eternal.
Sarah
I'm about to zone out. Just keep nodding.
💡
Mark uses 'eternal' hyperbolically to describe the perceived endlessness of a boring meeting. Sarah uses the phrasal verb 'zone out' (to stop paying attention) and the casual command 'keep nodding' to suggest pretending to be engaged while mentally checking out.