Impermanent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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impermanent
im-per-ma-nent
Definition
temporary
Not lasting or enduring; existing only for a short time.
Synonyms
ephemeral, fleeting, short-lived, temporary, transient.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| impermanent |
Best used when referring to something that does not last forever but can potentially last for a significant period.
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| temporary |
Used to describe something that is meant to last only for a limited period, often with an expectation of change or replacement.
|
| transient |
Best used to describe something that is not permanent and likely to pass swiftly. Often refers to people or conditions.
|
| ephemeral |
Best used when referring to something that is very short-lived or lasts for a brief moment. Often used in a poetic or literary sense.
|
| fleeting |
Best suited for describing experiences or occurrences that are very quick and come and go in a flash.
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| short-lived |
Best used when emphasizing that something lasts for a short duration, often unexpectedly.
|
Examples of usage
- The beauty of cherry blossoms is impermanent, as they fall to the ground after only a few days.
- The impermanent nature of life reminds us to cherish each moment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Quick facts about “impermanent”
Impermanent is a 4-syllable adjective (im-per-ma-nent). It is pronounced /ɪmpˈɜːmənənt/. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 5 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #30,006 among the most common English words.
Did you know?
“impermanent” in philosophy
- Many philosophical traditions emphasize the concept of impermanence, highlighting the transient nature of life and material objects.
- Buddhism, in particular, teaches that everything is impermanent, which helps to cultivate a deeper awareness of change and loss.
“impermanent” in art
- Impermanence is a popular theme in many art forms, including ephemeral art, which is intentionally made to last for a short time, such as sand sculptures.
- Street art or graffiti often incorporates impermanence, existing only until it is removed or altered by the environment or authorities.
“impermanent” in science
- In biology, many species exhibit traits that are impermanent; for example, tadpoles transform into frogs, showcasing life’s continual changes.
- The concept of impermanence can also apply to ecosystems, which are dynamic and subject to shifts from climate change and human impact.
“impermanent” in psychology
- Studies in psychology suggest that recognizing the impermanence of negative emotions can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.
- Mindfulness practices often focus on the realization that thoughts and feelings are transient, promoting emotional resilience.
Origin of 'impermanent'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines the Latin prefix 'im-', meaning 'not', with 'permanent', derived from the Latin 'permanens', meaning 'lasting' or 'enduring'.
- Used in English since the late 19th century, it reflects the philosophical ideas about the nature of existence.
The word 'impermanent' originates from the Latin word 'impermanens', which is a combination of the prefix 'im-' (not) and 'permanens' (remaining). The concept of impermanence has long been a theme in philosophy and spirituality, with the recognition that all things are subject to change and transience.
See also: permanently.