What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
evanescent
Example
The beauty of the sunset was evanescent, lasting only a few minutes. [evanescent: adjective]
Example
The memory of her childhood was evanescent, fading away with time. [evanescent: adjective]
transient
Example
The city has a large population of transient workers who come and go. [transient: noun]
Example
The happiness she felt was transient, disappearing as quickly as it came. [transient: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Transient is more commonly used than evanescent in everyday language. Transient is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while evanescent is less common and has a more poetic connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between evanescent and transient?
Both evanescent and transient are formal words that are more commonly used in written language than in spoken language. However, transient is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while evanescent is more limited in its usage and is mostly used in formal or poetic writing.