Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Ephemeral
adjective
/ ih-FEM-er-ul /
Medium
Meaning
Lasting for a very short time; transitory and quickly fading or disappearing.
Origin / Etymology
Greek ephemeros (lasting only a day), from epi (on) + hemera (day)
Synonyms
Transient
Fleeting
Short-lived
Antonyms
Permanent
Enduring
Lasting
Example Sentence
"Many ephemeral wetlands in the Deccan Plateau, which once recharged groundwater and supported migratory birds, have disappeared due to agricultural encroachment and over-extraction of groundwater."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS3 Environment answers when discussing seasonal water bodies, biodiversity loss, or climate change impacts. Also useful in Essay papers when contrasting short-term political gains with long-term developmental needs.
Relevant Subjects