The infinity symbol ∞ represents something without limit or end. In everyday use it also stands for “forever”.
In mathematics
In maths, ∞ is used to describe quantities that grow without bound. It is not a number you can do ordinary arithmetic with; it is a concept of endlessness.
As a sign of forever
Outside maths, the sideways-eight shape is popular in jewellery, tattoos and captions to mean a bond or feeling that never ends.
Where it comes from
The symbol was introduced by the mathematician John Wallis in the 1600s. Its exact inspiration is debated.
Facts to verify: the attribution to John Wallis and the century it was introduced.