Impermanent: meaning, definitions and examples

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impermanent

[ɪmˈpəːm(ə)nənt ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. The beauty of the sandcastle is impermanent, as the tides will eventually wash it away
temporary	Used to describe something that is meant to last only for a limited period, often with an expectation of change or replacement. They set up a temporary shelter to provide assistance to the flood victims
transient	Best used to describe something that is not permanent and likely to pass swiftly. Often refers to people or conditions. The city has a large transient population due to its status as a travel hub
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. The ephemeral nature of a rainbow makes it all the more beautiful
fleeting	Best suited for describing experiences or occurrences that are very quick and come and go in a flash. She caught a fleeting glimpse of a deer before it dashed into the forest
short-lived	Best used when emphasizing that something lasts for a short duration, often unexpectedly. Their victory was short-lived, as the opposing team scored the winning goal in the last minute

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "impermanent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 impermanente

🇮🇳 अस्थायी

🇩🇪 unbeständig

🇮🇩 tidak permanen

🇺🇦 тимчасовий

🇵🇱 nietrwały

🇯🇵 一時的

🇫🇷 éphémère

🇪🇸 impermanente

🇹🇷 geçici

🇰🇷 일시적

🇸🇦 غير دائم

🇨🇿 dočasný

🇸🇰 dočasný

🇨🇳 暂时的

🇸🇮 nepermanenten

🇮🇸 skammvinnur

🇰🇿 уақытша

🇬🇪 არასამუდამო

🇦🇿 müvəqqəti

🇲🇽 impermanente

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,006 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
30003 kinky
30004 monorail
30005 impoverish
30006 impermanent
30007 galleon
30008 unsavoury
30009 feeler
...