What is the synonym of “ephemeral”?

Correct answer: Fleeting. Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time, which is the meaning of “fleeting”.

Background: The word comes from the Greek ephemeros, “lasting a day”.

• Enduring: “Enduring” means lasting a long time, the opposite.
• Permanent: “Permanent” means lasting forever, the opposite.
• None of these: “None of these” is incorrect because “fleeting” is correct.

Did you know? A mayfly is an ephemeral insect because adults live only a short time.

Memory trick: Ephemeral = for a day = short.