Word of the day: Ephemeral

“Ephemeral” is a word that captures the of life, moments, and experiences. It reminds us that not everything is meant to last forever, some things are beautiful precisely because they are .

Origin of the word

The word originates from the Greek word ephemeros, meaning “lasting only a day.” It is formed from epi (upon) and hemera (day). Originally, the term was used in medical and scientific contexts to describe short-lived conditions or organisms that existed for just a brief period. Over time, ephemeral found its way into English during the 16th century, evolving to express the idea of anything transient, momentary, or passing.

Meaning of the word

Ephemeral adjective means lasting for a very short time; transient or momentary. It refers to things that exist briefly before disappearing, like morning dew, a sunset, or a fleeting emotion. The word often carries a poetic tone, used to describe the delicate, passing beauty of experiences that cannot be held onto.

Usage in sentences

The beauty of a rainbow is ephemeral, lasting only until the sun hides behind the clouds.
She realised that fame is ephemeral, but integrity leaves a lasting impression.
Cherry blossoms are cherished in Japan for their ephemeral bloom, symbolising the fragility of life.

The short-lived experiences help us realise that we should live in the present. They do not teach us to enjoy beauty in spite of its impermanence, but because of it. Life is not lasting, every day, every smile, every sunrise is a little but valuable present. With the awareness of the impermanence of everything, we come to learn to drop our attachments and be thankful of what exists. With its wise silence ephemeral teaches us to appreciate the miracle of the here and now and to learn that it is the impermanence, which makes life really worth living.