Impermanence: meaning, definitions and examples

Appropriate in philosophical or reflective contexts to describe the temporary nature of things, often used in discussions about life, nature, and existence.

• The beauty of the flower is a reminder of life's impermanence
• Many philosophers have written about the impermanence of human experiences

Suitably used in formal or academic contexts, particularly to discuss phenomena, people, or states that are temporary or short-lived.

• The transience of urban life can be unsettling
• The scientist studied the transience of certain chemical reactions

Used to describe something that lasts for a very short period of time and usually in artistic, literary, or poetic contexts.

• The ephemerality of a sunrise makes it all the more beautiful
• The artist captures the ephemerality of youth in his paintings

Commonly used to express the quick passage of moments or emotions, often conveying a sense of missed opportunity or transient joy.

• The fleetingness of happiness is both a blessing and a curse
• She was struck by the fleetingness of their encounters

When discussing the temporary nature of life or experiences, often in a philosophical or spiritual context.

• The Buddhist teachings often emphasize the impermanence of all things.
• He reflected on the impermanence of happiness and sorrow in his life.

When talking about lack of stability or predictability, commonly used in economic, political, or emotional contexts.

• The economic instability has caused many businesses to close.
• His emotional instability made it difficult for him to maintain relationships.

When discussing the ability to change or be changed, often in scientific or literary contexts.

• The mutability of genetic material is crucial to the process of evolution.
• The poet mused on the mutability of human emotions.

When referring to the short duration or fleeting nature of something, often in poetic or reflective contexts.

• The poet wrote about the transitoriness of youth and beauty.
• In the face of life's transitoriness, he decided to seize every moment.

Best used to describe the general idea that all things are not lasting forever and are subject to change.

• Buddhist teachings often emphasize the impermanence of life

Ideal for describing something that is very brief or fleeting, usually in a poetic or literary context.

• The ephemerality of cherry blossoms makes them especially cherished in Japanese culture

Used to highlight a situation or condition that is not permanent but might be expected to last for a noticeable period.

• The temporariness of the solution was evident, but it bought us some time

Typically used to describe the quality of being temporary but also emphasizes the idea of being fleeting or short-lived. Often used in philosophical or reflective contexts.

• Her poetry often touches on the transience of human emotions