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
Social media posts are often ephemeral, disappearing after 24 hours. [ephemeral: adjective]
fleeting
Example
I caught a fleeting glimpse of the sunset before it disappeared behind the clouds. [fleeting: adjective]
Example
Her smile was fleeting, disappearing as quickly as it appeared. [fleeting: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fleeting is more commonly used than ephemeral in everyday language. Fleeting is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while ephemeral is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ephemeral and fleeting?
Both ephemeral and fleeting are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, ephemeral may be considered slightly more formal due to its less common usage and specific connotations.
