English vocabulary · C1
Evanescent
/ˌev.əˈnes.ənt/ · adj.
It means something that is beautiful but lasts only a very short time, then disappears.
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Example sentences
- Her smile was evanescent, gone in a second.
- The light on the water was evanescent at sunset.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- e — out (from Latin)
- van — empty (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FLEETING — passing very fast (Quick & Gone)
- BRIEF — lasting a short time (Short & Simple)
- MOMENTARY — existing for one moment (One Single Moment)
Words with the same root
van — empty
- vain — having no real value; empty of meaning
- vanity — too much pride; emptiness of things
Lesson notes
Evanescent. It means something that is beautiful but lasts only a very short time, then disappears.
Similar words are fleeting, brief, and momentary. Use evanescent when something beautiful fades away too fast.
Her smile was evanescent, gone in a second. The light on the water was evanescent at sunset.
From Latin. E- means out. Van- means empty. Something going out into empty air — that is evanescent.