What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deciduous
Example
The deciduous trees in the park looked beautiful in autumn. [deciduous: adjective]
Example
The forest was filled with deciduous trees that shed their leaves every year. [deciduous: noun]
ephemeral
Example
The beauty of the sunset was ephemeral, lasting only a few minutes. [ephemeral: adjective]
Example
The desert was filled with ephemeral wildflowers that bloomed after the rain. [ephemeral: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deciduous is more commonly used than ephemeral in everyday language, especially in scientific or botanical contexts. Ephemeral is less common and may be considered more specialized or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deciduous and ephemeral?
Both deciduous and ephemeral can be used in formal or informal contexts, but deciduous is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, including scientific or technical writing.