Ephemerality: meaning, definitions and examples

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ephemerality

 

[ɪˌfɛməˈræləti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

nature of existence

Ephemerality refers to the transient and fleeting nature of existence, emphasizing the temporary and short-lived aspects of life. It highlights the impermanence of things and the constant change that characterizes the world.

Synonyms

fleetingness, transience, transitoriness.

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Word Description / Examples
ephemerality

Used in formal or literary contexts to describe the fleeting nature of something. Often used to emphasize the poetic or philosophical aspect of short-lived experiences or phenomena.

  • The ephemerality of cherry blossoms is what makes them so cherished in Japanese culture.
  • Artists often draw inspiration from the ephemerality of moments in nature.
transience

Used in a variety of contexts, such as describing the temporary nature of human life, emotions, or experiences. It may carry a slight connotation of sadness or wistfulness.

  • The transience of youth is a common theme in literature.
  • Despite the transience of their encounter, it left a lasting impression on him.
fleetingness

Used in everyday language to describe something that is very short-lived, often with a sense of urgency or missed opportunity.

  • The fleetingness of summer makes it all the more precious.
  • She cherished every moment of their fleetingness together.
transitoriness

Used in formal or academic contexts to refer to the quality of being temporary or short-lived. Often used in discussions about time, life, or material objects.

  • The transitoriness of modern technology makes it challenging to keep up with new developments.
  • Philosophers have long debated the transitoriness of human existence.

Examples of usage

  • The beauty of the cherry blossoms is a poignant reminder of the ephemerality of life.
  • His art captures the ephemerality of youth, frozen in a moment of time.
  • She pondered the ephemerality of happiness, knowing that it could vanish in an instant.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'ephemeros', which means 'lasting a day' or 'temporary'.
  • The root 'hemeros' refers specifically to 'day', highlighting the fleeting nature of ephemeral things.

Art and Literature

  • Many artists create temporary installations or performances, embracing the idea of beauty in things that won't stick around, like sand sculptures.
  • Literary works often explore themes of transience, prompting readers to appreciate the fleeting moments of life.

Nature

  • Certain insects, like mayflies, have very short life spans, sometimes living only a single day. They embody the concept of ephemerality.
  • Flowers such as cherry blossoms bloom beautifully but last only a short time, captivating many with their brief presence.

Philosophy

  • Many philosophical discussions focus on the importance of recognizing life's transitory moments, suggesting it enhances appreciation and gratitude.
  • The concept encourages people to live in the present, as everything around us is temporary.

Technology

  • In the digital age, 'ephemeral' can refer to content that disappears after a set time, like stories on social media platforms.
  • The rise of fleeting media reflects our growing awareness of impermanence in a fast-paced technological world.

Translations

Translations of the word "ephemerality" in other languages:

🇵🇹 efemeridade

🇮🇳 क्षणभंगुरता

🇩🇪 Vergänglichkeit

🇮🇩 kefanaan

🇺🇦 ефемерність

🇵🇱 efemeryczność

🇯🇵 儚さ (はかなさ)

🇫🇷 éphémérité

🇪🇸 efimeridad

🇹🇷 geçicilik

🇰🇷 덧없음

🇸🇦 زوال

🇨🇿 pomíjivost

🇸🇰 pominuteľnosť

🇨🇳 短暂 (duǎnzàn)

🇸🇮 efemernost

🇮🇸 skammvinnleiki

🇰🇿 өткіншілік

🇬🇪 წარმავალი

🇦🇿 keçicilik

🇲🇽 efimeridad