ephemeral
/əˈfɛ.mə.ɹəl/
Group 4Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Lasting for a very short time GRE
Example in Context
The social media platform's popularity proved ephemeral, as users migrated to newer applications within months of the initial surge in downloads.
Synonyms
short-livedfleetingbrief
Etymology
Something that lasts only a short time, like a fleeting moment.
- ephemeros (Greek) — lasting a day
Memory Aid
⏳Sounds like “epic fumble”
An EPIC FUMBLE at the game lasts only a moment before the ball is gone!
Visual Association
🌺A beautiful flower blooming and wilting in seconds, a fleeting beauty.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “ephemeral” mean on the GRE?
ephemeral (adjective) means “Lasting for a very short time”. The social media platform's popularity proved ephemeral, as users migrated to newer applications within months of the initial surge in downloads.
How to remember “ephemeral” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “ephemeral” sounds like “epic fumble”. An EPIC FUMBLE at the game lasts only a moment before the ball is gone!
What are synonyms for “ephemeral”?
Common synonyms: short-lived, fleeting, brief.