Ephemeral: meaning, definitions and examples

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ephemeral

 

[ ɪˈfɛmərəl ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

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

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

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

Translations of the word "ephemeral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 efémero

🇮🇳 क्षणिक

🇩🇪 flüchtig

🇮🇩 sementara

🇺🇦 ефемерний

🇵🇱 efemeryczny

🇯🇵 儚い (はかない)

🇫🇷 éphémère

🇪🇸 efímero

🇹🇷 geçici

🇰🇷 덧없는

🇸🇦 عابر

🇨🇿 pomíjivý

🇸🇰 prchavý

🇨🇳 短暂的 (duǎnzàn de)

🇸🇮 efemeren

🇮🇸 skammvinnur

🇰🇿 уақытша

🇬🇪 მოკლევადიანი

🇦🇿 müvəqqəti

🇲🇽 efímero

Word origin

The word ephemeral has its origins in the Greek word 'ephēmeros', 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.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,975, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.