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Word of the Day

Thursday, January 2, 2025

ephemeral

/əˈfem(ə)rəl/adjective

Lasting for a very short time; fleeting or transitory.

Etymology

From Greek "ephēmeros" meaning "lasting only a day," from "epi" (upon) + "hēmera" (day). Originally used in ancient Greece to describe fever that lasted only one day.

Usage Examples

  1. "The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral - they bloom magnificently but last only a few days."

  2. "Social media posts feel ephemeral, disappearing into the endless stream of updates."

  3. "The artist captured the ephemeral quality of morning mist in her watercolor paintings."

Synonyms

  • Transient
  • Fleeting
  • Short-lived
  • Momentary
  • Temporary

Antonyms

  • Permanent
  • Lasting
  • Enduring
  • Eternal

Fun Facts

  • In biology, "ephemeral" describes organisms with very short life spans, like mayflies that live only 24 hours.
  • The concept of ephemerality is central to Japanese aesthetics, especially in the appreciation of cherry blossoms (sakura).
  • Ephemeral art intentionally uses materials that don't last, like sand sculptures or ice carvings.

Word Family

  • Ephemerality (noun): The quality of being ephemeral
  • Ephemerally (adverb): In an ephemeral manner
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