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March 25, 2026
Ephemeral
/ih-FEM-er-ul/
adjective

Lasting for a very short time; fleeting. Something that is transient or momentary in nature.

Etymology

From Greek ephemeros ("lasting only a day"), from epi- ("upon") + hemera ("day"). Originally used in biology to describe organisms with very short lifespans, such as mayflies.

Usage Examples

The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks each spring.
Social media fame can be surprisingly ephemeral — today's viral star is often forgotten by next week.
The artist specialized in ephemeral installations made of ice that melted within hours.

Related Words

Synonyms: fleeting, transient, momentary, brief, short-lived
Antonyms: permanent, enduring, eternal, lasting, perpetual

Previous Words

  • EphemeralLasting for a very short time; fleetingMar 25
  • UbiquitousPresent, appearing, or found everywhereMar 24
  • PragmaticDealing with things sensibly and realisticallyMar 23
  • EloquentFluent or persuasive in speaking or writingMar 22
  • TenaciousHolding firmly to something; persistentMar 21
  • AmbiguousOpen to more than one interpretation; unclearMar 20
  • BenevolentWell-meaning and kindly; charitableMar 19
  • CrypticHaving a meaning that is mysterious or obscureMar 18
  • DiligentHaving or showing careful and persistent effortMar 17
  • ExemplaryServing as a desirable model; very goodMar 16
  • FormidableInspiring fear or respect through being impressively large or powerfulMar 15
  • GregariousFond of company; sociableMar 14