Word of the Day

Thursday, May 04, 2000

ephemeral

\ih-FEM-er-ul\ , adjective;

Beginning and ending in a day; existing only, or no longer than, a day; as, an ephemeral flower.

Short-lived; existing or continuing for a short time only.

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Quotes:

Success is very ephemeral. You depend entirely on the desire of others, which makes it difficult to relax.

-- Eva Green,

In "Mississippi Mermaid," the planter character played by Belmondo, a fellow who has sought a safe, permanent love, is liberated when he chooses to follow the ephemeral.

-- Vincent Canby, "Truffaut's Clear-Eyed Quest.", New York Times, September 14, 1975

Rather, we must separate what is ephemeral... from the things that are of lasting importance.

-- Patrick Smith, Japan: A Reinterpretation

Origin:

Ephemeral derives from Greek ephemeros, from epi, upon + hemera, day.