adj
C2
Proficient
ephemeral
eh-FEH-muh-ruhl
Ephemeral (adj) means lasting for only a short time; fleeting. Example: “Fame on social media can be ephemeral — huge one week, forgotten the next.”
adj
1
Lasting for only a short time; fleeting.
"Fame on social media can be ephemeral — huge one week, forgotten the next."
"Their friendship turned out to be ephemeral, fading within a year."
How to use ephemeral
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that doesn't last long.
When to use it
A literary/formal word — in everyday speech people usually just say "short-lived" or "temporary".
Common pairings
ephemeral beauty
the ephemeral nature of fame
an ephemeral moment
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Word forms
- Plural
- ephemerals
- Comparative
- more ephemeral
- Superlative
- most ephemeral
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Fame on social media can be _____ — huge one week, forgotten the next.
Etymology
From Greek ephemeros, "lasting a day" — originally used for short-lived flowers and insects.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for ephemeral
See all rhymes for ephemeral →Frequently asked questions
What does “ephemeral” mean?
The word “ephemeral” means lasting for only a short time; fleeting. In plain terms, something that doesn't last long.
How do you pronounce “ephemeral”?
“Ephemeral” is pronounced eh-FEH-muh-ruhl (/ɛˈfɛ.mə.ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “ephemeral” in a sentence?
Here is “ephemeral” used in a sentence: “Fame on social media can be ephemeral — huge one week, forgotten the next.”
What is another word for “ephemeral”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ephemeral” include earthly, brief, evanescent, deciduous, fleeting and flying.
What is the opposite of “ephemeral”?
The opposite of “ephemeral” — its antonyms — are lasting, eternal, perennial and persistent.
What part of speech is “ephemeral”?
“Ephemeral” is an adjective.
Where does the word “ephemeral” come from?
The word “ephemeral” comes from Greek. From Greek ephemeros, "lasting a day" — originally used for short-lived flowers and insects.
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