Ephemeral / Adjective / ephem·er·al

The word ephemeral is an adjective that usually refers to something that is temporary or fleeting. For example, a plant that grows, flowers, and dies within only a few days is considered ephemeral. The term applies to anything that is short-lived or only lasts for a small period of time.

Etymology

The word ephemeral comes from the Greek word ephēmeros, meaning “daily” or “happening in a day.” The word was first adapted into the English language in 1576 as an adjective meaning “fleeting.”

In a Sentence

The party was entertaining, but I’ll never be able to get the smell of cigarettes out of my hair. It was definitely an ephemeral goodbye.

The gardener stood by to admire the flowers in the garden as this breed of plant was ephemeral, lasting for a day or two before wilting away.

The young woman treasured her ephemeral feeling when she said “I do” to the love of her life at the altar.

Synonym

Transitory

Antonym

Permanent