ephemeral
Adjective
Medium difficulty
What does “ephemeral” mean?
adjective.lasting for a very short time.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in passages discussing nature, art, or human experiences that highlight the fleeting nature of life or beauty. It emphasizes the idea of transience and can evoke a sense of nostalgia or urgency, distinguishing it from similar words like "temporary," which may not carry the same emotional weight or aesthetic connotation.
Common Confusions
Ephemeral implies a fleeting beauty or experience that evokes emotion, while transient usually suggests a temporary state without the same depth of significance or aesthetic appreciation.
Do not choose ephemeral if the context emphasizes permanence or longevity rather than lasting for a very short time.
Example Sentences
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Social media trends are often ephemeral, lasting only days.