What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ephemeral
Example
The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a few weeks. [ephemeral: adjective]
Example
The joy of winning the lottery was ephemeral, as it quickly faded away. [ephemeral: adjective]
brief
Example
Please give me a brief summary of the article. [brief: adjective]
Example
The meeting was brief, lasting only 15 minutes. [brief: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brief is more commonly used than ephemeral in everyday language. Brief is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while ephemeral is less common and has a more specific meaning.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ephemeral and brief?
Ephemeral is more formal and literary, making it suitable for use in formal writing or artistic contexts. Brief is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
