Evanescent
(/ˌev-ə-NES-ənt/)
Evanescent is an adjective meaning lasting for a very short time, fleeting, and quickly fading away. It describes things that appear briefly and then disappear, often leaving only a memory or impression behind. The word is commonly used in literary, philosophical, and descriptive contexts to emphasize the temporary nature of moments, feelings, beauty, or experiences.
Example:
The beauty of the sunset was evanescent, vanishing as night fell.
It is often used when talking about time, emotions, youth, fame, or moments that do not endure.
Origin:
From the Latin word evanescens (present participle of evanescere), meaning “to disappear, fade away,” derived from e- (“out”) and vanescere (“to vanish”).
Formed from:
- e- = out
- vanescere = to vanish
- -ent = adjective-forming suffix
Synonyms of evanescent
fleeting, transient, momentary, short-lived, impermanent
Antonyms of evanescent
lasting, enduring, permanent, persistent, perpetual
In Yorùbá, Evanescent is translated in a phrase form as “hàn fún ìgbà díẹ̀”, wà fún ìgbà díẹ̀, ohun tí kìí pẹ́ , depending on the context.
Examples
- Afẹ́ ayé lè jẹ́ ohun ti ki i pẹ g
(Life’s pleasures can be evanescent) - Ìgbà Ọmọde máa n wa fún ìgbà díẹ̀ (Childhood is an evanescent phase)
In Hausa, Evanescent is translated as “abu mai shuɗewa ko wucewa da sauri“
- Kyamshin bakan gizo yana wucewa da sauri, ba ya dawwama (The evanescent beauty of the rainbow disappeared within minutes)
- Shahara abu ne mai wucewa idan ba a kula da shi sosai ba (Fame can be evanescent if it is not carefully maintained.)
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In French, Evanescent is translated as “Évanescent”(direct and formal), “Fugace” (more common in everyday use)
Examples:
- La beauté du coucher du soleil est évanescente. (The beauty of the sunset is evanescent.)
- Son sourire n’était que fugace, mais mémorable. (Her smile was brief/evanescent, but memorable.)
In German, Evanescent is translated as “Vergänglich” (most natural and common), “Flüchtig “(emphasizes briefness or quick disappearance)
Examples:
- Der Ruhm ist vergänglich. (Fame is evanescent.)
- Der Nebel war flüchtig und verschwand schnell. (The fog was evanescent and disappeared quickly.)
In Spanish, Evanescent is translated as “Evanescente” (direct and formal), “Efímero” (very common and natural)
Examples:
- La alegría fue evanescente. (The joy was evanescent.)
- La fama en las redes sociales es efímera. (Fame on social media is evanescent.)
