How to pronounce

ephemeral

American Pronunciation: /ɪˈfɛmərəl/
- Breakdown: i-FEM-uh-ruhl
British Pronunciation: /ɪˈfɛmərəl/
- Breakdown: i-FEM-uh-ruhl

The pronunciation is consistent in both American and British English, with the stress on the second syllable, which carries the "fem" sound.

Definition of

ephemeral

Ephemeral (adjective): lasting for a short period of time; fleeting; transient Examples: 1. The beauty of the cherry blossoms was ephemeral, as the petals fell to the ground within a matter of days. 2. Social media trends are often ephemeral, with new ones emerging and disappearing in a matter of weeks. 3. The success of the movie was ephemeral, as it quickly lost its popularity after the first week of release. 4. Despite its ephemeral nature, the rainbow still brought joy to the spectators' hearts. 5. The fashion industry is known for its constantly changing and ephemeral trends.

What does it mean

ephemeral

The term "ephemeral" comes from the Greek word "ephemeros," which means "lasting only one day" or "short-lived." This word itself is derived from "epi-" meaning "on" and "hemera" meaning "day." The usage of "ephemeral" in English dates back to the late 16th century, capturing the transient, day-long nature of some life forms and phenomena, emphasizing the brief but significant impact they may have despite their short duration. This concept has expanded in modern usage to encompass a broader range of temporary phenomena, emphasizing the transient beauty and impermanence of such experiences.

Frequently asked questions

How do you say ephemeral correctly?

To pronounce ephemeral correctly, break it down into syllables (e-phem-er-al) and listen to native speakers. You can use Pronounce AI to check pronunciation in your conversations. Repeating the word multiple times daily and recording yourself with getpronounce.com can help refine your pronunciation.

What are some synonyms for ephemeral?

Some synonyms for ephemeral include transient, fleeting, and short-lived. The choice of synonym depends on the context in which you use the word.

Are there alternative pronunciations of ephemeral?

Yes, ephemeral may have alternative pronunciations depending on regional accents, dialects, or language variations. For example, in American English, it may be pronounced as “ih-FEM-er-uhl,” while in British English, it may be pronounced as “eh-FEM-uh-ruhl.”