éphémère

ephemeral, fleeting

adjective eh-feh-MAIR Rare

Origin: Greek ephêmeros (lasting only a day)

Usage Note

Éphémère can also be used as a masculine noun meaning a mayfly (un éphémère) — the insect famous for its single-day adult lifespan. As an adjective it is invariable in gender: un bonheur éphémère, une gloire éphémère. The adverb éphémèrement exists but is rarely used; writers prefer rephrasing.

Examples

"La beauté des fleurs est éphémère."

Natural Translation

The beauty of flowers is fleeting.

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