Ephemeral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ephemeral
[ษชหfษmษrษl ]
Definitions
lasting for a very short time
Ephemeral describes something that is fleeting, transient, or short-lived. It is often used to describe things that are temporary or momentary in nature.
Synonyms
fleeting, momentary, temporary, transient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ephemeral |
Best used to describe something that lasts for a very short time, often with a sense of beauty or uniqueness.
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transient |
Often used to describe something that is short-lived, especially referring to people or situations in a negative or neutral manner.
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fleeting |
Used to describe something that happens or exists for a very short time and might not come back.
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temporary |
Describes something that is not permanent but lasts for a certain period of time, can vary in length.
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momentary |
Refers to something that happens for a very brief moment, often used to describe feelings or events.
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Examples of usage
- The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, disappearing within minutes.
- His fame was ephemeral, as he quickly faded into obscurity.
- The joy she felt was ephemeral, quickly replaced by sorrow.
something that is short-lived or transitory
As a noun, ephemeral refers to something that has a very short lifespan or existence. It can also refer to things that are fleeting or impermanent.
Synonyms
fleeting, impermanent, short-lived, transitory.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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ephemeral |
Appropriate when describing something that lasts for a very short time and is often beautiful or special in some way. Used in scientific or poetic contexts.
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transitory |
Appropriate for formal or academic contexts when emphasizing the temporary nature of something. Often used in discussions about life changes or states.
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short-lived |
Describes something that doesnโt last long, usually with a more neutral or slightly negative connotation. Commonly used in everyday language.
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fleeting |
Best used when something happens quickly and then disappears, often leaving a strong impression. Common in everyday language.
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impermanent |
Used when emphasizing that something is not meant to last forever. Often used in philosophical or analytical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The butterfly's life is an ephemeral one, lasting only a few weeks.
- The beauty of the cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a short time each spring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art
- Many artists create ephemeral art, like sand sculptures or chalk drawings, which disappear after a short time.
- In performance art, pieces are designed to be experienced only in the moment, leaving no physical form behind.
- The concept highlights the beauty of moments that canโt be preserved forever.
Nature
- Some insects, like mayflies, are known for their extremely short life spans, living only a few hours or days.
- Certain flowers, like morning glories, bloom beautifully for just one day before wilting.
- Ephemeral ponds arise in desert areas, filling with rainwater for a brief period before evaporating.
Technology
- In the realm of digital communication, ephemeral messaging refers to messages that disappear after being read.
- Apps like Snapchat popularized the concept of temporary media, changing how people share content.
- This trend reflects a growing desire for privacy and spontaneous communication.
Literature
- Many poets celebrate ephemeral beauty in their work, using fleeting moments to evoke emotions.
- Poems often explore themes of transience, emphasizing how time changes everything.
- Literary works like haikus capture the essence of brief moments in nature.
Origin of 'ephemeral'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'ephemeros,' meaning 'lasting a day.'
- In Ancient Greece, it was often used to describe short-lived flowers.
- The term has been used in English since the 17th century.
The word ephemeral has its origins in the Greek word 'ephฤmeros', which means 'lasting only one day'. The concept of ephemerality has been explored in various fields, including philosophy, art, and literature. In a world where permanence is often sought after, ephemeral moments remind us of the beauty and significance of the transient nature of life.