Ephemeral

Adjective

Definition: Lasting for a very short time; fleeting or transitory.

Synonyms: Transient, Fleeting, Brief, Momentary

Antonyms: Permanent, Lasting, Enduring, Eternal

Examples:

The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral; they only bloom for a few weeks.
The joy of childhood is ephemeral; it fades away as we grow older.

Mnemonics:

Ephemeral sounds like "Effie-Mary-All," imagine someone named Effie-Mary being known for her short-lived events or ideas.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "ephemeral" comes from the Greek word 'ephēmeros', which means "lasting only a day".

Historical Usage:

The term has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe things of short duration or temporary nature.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Ephemeral art"

Explanation:

This refers to art forms or installations that are intentionally temporary, such as sand sculptures or ice sculptures, meant to exist only for a short period of time.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Considering "ephemeral" as an exact synonym for "temporary."

Explanation:

While both words signify a short-lasting nature, "temporary" suggests a longer duration compared to "ephemeral," which conveys a more fleeting and transient quality.