ephemeral
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ɪˈfɛmərəl/
KK: /ɪˈfɛmərəl/
adjective
Definition
Something that lasts for a very short time or only for a day.
Example
The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading away within minutes.
Conversation
Have you ever noticed how ephemeral some flowers are?
Yeah, they bloom so beautifully but only last a few days.
It's kind of sad, but it makes you appreciate them more.
Exactly! Their brief beauty is what makes them special.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fleeting
transient
temporary
Antonyms
perpetual
enduring
lasting
noun
Definition
A thing that lasts for a very short time, often used to describe fleeting moments or temporary experiences.
Example
The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, fading away within minutes.
Conversation
Did you see those flowers in the park?
Yeah, they were beautiful but so ephemeral.
I know, right? They bloom for just a few days.
Root Explanation
Ephemeral → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon) and "hemeros" (meaning day). The word describes something that lasts only for a day or a very short time, emphasizing its fleeting nature.
Memory Tip
Think of something that lasts 'upon' ('epi-') a single 'day' ('hemeros') — that's why ephemeral refers to things that are short-lived.
Visually Confused Words
unephemeral
nonephemeral
epimeral
hemera