ephemeral
Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: transient, fleeting, momentary
adjective
Definition of ephemeral
extremely shortlasting
Synonyms for ephemeral
ephemeral in a Sentence
- It was an ephemeral thought that quickly melted away.
Why ephemeral Matters for GRE & SAT
"ephemeral" is a adjective that means "extremely shortlasting" closely related to words like "transient", "fleeting", "momentary". As a word starting with E, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "ephemeral" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "ephemeral" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "ephemeral" into long-term memory.
How to Remember ephemeral
One effective way to remember "ephemeral" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "transient" and "fleeting" and "momentary". When you encounter "ephemeral" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "extremely shortlasting".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "ephemeral" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with E
- ebullient — cheerful and joyful
- eccentric — deviating from conventional behavior; quirky
- echelon — a level or tier within a system or organization
- eclectic — derived from a diverse range of sources or styles
- eclectic — Deriving ideas or style from a broad and diverse range of sources
- eclipse — overshadow or surpass
- economy — The system of trade and industry by which the wealth of a country is made and us
- economy — frugal or effective use of resources or words
- edify — enlighten or uplift through knowledge; teach
- efficacious — producing the desired effect; successful