ephemeral
short-lived / fleeting
/əˈfɛ.mə.ɹəl/
Adjective
Carries a poignant, often poetic quality. It doesn't just mean 'short', but suggests a fleeting beauty or a fragile existence that is destined to vanish quickly. Commonly used in artistic, philosophical, or scientific contexts. While 'temporary' is neutral and functional (like a temporary job), 'ephemeral' implies a certain delicacy or inevitability of loss. In biological terms, it describes organisms that complete their entire life cycle in a burst of activity triggered by specific conditions, emphasizing the contrast between a brief existence and a long dormant period.
💬Casual Conversation
🎬Tuesday afternoon; Karen is at a garden center while David is in a corporate meeting.
Karen Smith
Don't buy those cheap perennials. They're basically ephemeral.
David Smith
I'll just wing it and grab the ones on sale.
💡
Karen uses 'ephemeral' to describe plants that won't survive more than one season, reflecting her obsession with garden perfection. David uses the phrasal verb 'wing it' (to do something without preparation), showing his casual, less meticulous approach compared to Karen's rigid standards.