Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈfɛmərəl/ (ih-FEM-er-uhl)

Definitions

• Lasting for a very short time; fleeting.
• Temporary, transient, or momentary in nature.
• In biological terms, used to describe organisms or processes that last for a short duration.

Usage Examples

• "The beauty of a sunset is ephemeral, lasting only for a few minutes."
• "He had an ephemeral career in television, with only a brief stint as a host."
• "The ephemeral nature of fame means that it can fade as quickly as it appears."

Etymology

From the Greek word "ephemeros," meaning "lasting only a day," which is derived from "epi-" (upon) + "hemera" (day). The word was first used in the English language in the 17th century.

Synonyms

• Transitory
• Fleeting
• Momentary
• Temporary
• Short-lived
• Passing

Antonyms

• Permanent
• Enduring
• Everlasting
• Durable
• Timeless

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, "ephemeral" is generally pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable ("-FEM-uh-ral") in most English-speaking regions. However, some non-native speakers, especially in French or Spanish-speaking countries, may emphasize the first syllable ("EF-uh-ral"). Pronunciations vary slightly between American, British, and Australian English, with the American version often sounding more like "ih-FEM-uh-ral" and the British "ih-FEM-er-al."

Historical Usage

The term "ephemeral" was first used in the English language in the 17th century, with the meaning of something "lasting a day." It has evolved to describe anything fleeting or short-lived, especially things that are transient in nature. The word has been widely used in literature and poetry to convey the impermanence of life, love, beauty, and other human experiences. In modern usage, it often refers to trends, items, or cultural phenomena that appear briefly but leave a lasting impact.

Cultural Nuances

The concept of "ephemeral" is culturally significant as it reflects the transient nature of human existence, beauty, and culture. In art, the ephemeral has been celebrated for capturing fleeting moments and emotions that may otherwise be forgotten. In many cultures, the idea of impermanence is seen as a reminder to cherish the present, as nothing lasts forever. In the world of fashion, for example, trends that are considered ephemeral might be embraced for their momentary relevance, only to fade away as quickly as they appeared.

More Information

The concept of "ephemeral" is embedded in various philosophical, cultural, and religious traditions that focus on the impermanence of life. It is often contrasted with the idea of eternity or permanence. In Buddhism, for example, the transient nature of all things is a central tenet, with the recognition that everything is temporary leading to an understanding of attachment and the nature of suffering. In modern culture, ephemeral can refer to many things, from art installations to social media trends, emphasizing their short-lived but impactful nature. The appreciation of ephemeral beauty in nature—like a rainbow or a flower that blooms briefly—has inspired poets, artists, and philosophers for centuries.