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GRE vocabulary

ephemeral

adjectiveHigh-frequency wordMore E words

lasting for only a very short time

Word origin: From Greek ephemeros, lasting only a day (epi- on plus hemera day).

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In a sentence

Ephemeral in a sentence

Here are example sentences showing ephemeral in a sentence.

The beauty of the cherry blossoms is famously ephemeral.

Fame on social media is often ephemeral, vanishing as quickly as it arrives.

Antonyms
enduringpermanentlasting

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Verbal · Sentence Equivalence

The naturalist warned that the alpine bloom was blank, a spectacle of color that would vanish within days of the thaw, leaving no trace by midsummer.

Select the two answers that give the sentence the same meaning. 0 of 2 selected.

Usage & nuance

Using “ephemeral” well

Ephemeral stresses brief, fleeting existence, frequently with a poignant or poetic tone.

Common questions

Questions about “ephemeral”

Ephemeral (adjective) means lasting for only a very short time
Here is ephemeral used in an example sentence: "The beauty of the cherry blossoms is famously ephemeral." Another example: "Fame on social media is often ephemeral, vanishing as quickly as it arrives."
Common synonyms for ephemeral include fleeting, transient, transitory.
Antonyms of ephemeral include enduring, permanent, lasting.
Ephemeral pairs with transient, fleeting, and evanescent. Its antonyms permanent and enduring are common traps.
Yes. Ephemeral is a high-frequency GRE word, so it is worth prioritising as you build your vocabulary.

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