Ephemeral means something that lasts for only a very short time. It’s the opposite of permanent—think of a soap bubble that pops seconds after it forms, or a Snapchat message that disappears after you view it.
In daily life, people say “ephemeral” when talking about moments or things that vanish quickly. You might describe the sweet scent of fresh coffee as ephemeral because it fades after a few minutes, or call a trending TikTok dance ephemeral because it’s popular today and gone tomorrow.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- The cherry blossoms are beautiful but ephemeral; they’re gone within a week.
- His fame felt ephemeral—one viral video and then silence.
- I love the ephemeral glow of sunset; it changes every minute.
Context / Common Use
“Ephemeral” pops up in tech, fashion, and art. Developers label push notifications or stories as ephemeral content. Fashionistas call micro-trends ephemeral styles. Artists use the word to praise fleeting light, mood, or street art that washes away with rain.
Is ephemeral only for physical things?
No. Emotions, trends, and digital messages can all be ephemeral.
Can I say “ephemeral moment”?
Yes. It’s common to call a brief, special moment “ephemeral” to stress how quickly it passes.
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