Which word is closest in meaning to 'ephemeral'?

Which word is closest in meaning to 'ephemeral'?

• A. Durable
• B. Permanent
• C. Eternal
• D. Short-lived

Answer: (D)

Ephemeral means lasting only a very short time or being fleeting. It describes things that appear briefly and then disappear, rather than something that lasts or is timeless. The closest match among the options is short-lived, since it also conveys a brief duration. Durable suggests long-lasting strength, permanent and eternal imply no end or change over time, so they don’t fit as well. Think of something like a soap bubble or a sunset that fades quickly—that’s ephemeral and short-lived.

Ephemeral means lasting only a very short time or being fleeting. It describes things that appear briefly and then disappear, rather than something that lasts or is timeless. The closest match among the options is short-lived, since it also conveys a brief duration. Durable suggests long-lasting strength, permanent and eternal imply no end or change over time, so they don’t fit as well. Think of something like a soap bubble or a sunset that fades quickly—that’s ephemeral and short-lived.