These words refer to things that last or that remain on the scene for only a brief time. Temporary is the most general term, implying a measurable but limited duration. Unlike most of the other adjectives in this set, it indicates what is meant or known to last for a limited time only: a temporary job, a medicine that gives temporary relief. Further, the word often suggests makeshift arrangements made for the time being under the pressure of circumstances: a temporary shelter form the storm. It is used also to soften the impact of a harsh reality: a temporary set-back, not a final defeat.

Momentary , used literally, means coming and going away suddenly, in a moment: a momentary misgiving. It is used also to indicate relative brevity of duration: a momentary delay. Passing emphasizes the fact that a thing does not continue to occupy the interest for very long, but runs its course fairly quickly. A passing fad. Fleeting is an intensification of passing in a literal sense, referring to something that passes almost instantaneously: a dilettante too preoccupied with the fleeting moment to settle down to serious work; I caught just a fleeting glimpse of my new neighbour.

Transient stresses the temporary nature of a stay or the brevity of a thing’s duration. Though in common use as a noun, the word has formal or literary tone when used as an adjective: a transient joy. Transitory , like temporary , points to impermanence. It designates something destined to pass away, either fairly soon or, at least, eventually: transitory pleasures as opposed to sources of enduring satisfaction; a transitory stage of development.

In a literal sense, ephemeral refers to that which lasts only a single day. It is stronger than transitory in indicating not only certain but speedy extinction. For this reason, that which is ephemeral is looked upon as slight and perishable.

• Man’s life is transitory ; a butterfly’s existence is ephemeral .

Ephemeral can sometimes carry a suggestion of contempt as well: the ephemeral popularity of a pretty starlet who never learned how to act. In extension, ephemeral denotes that which changes aspect rapidly or continuously: an ephemeral inspiration. Ephemeral is a rather literary word. Evanescent is lyrical and highly evocative. It refers to that which vanishes almost as soon as it appears, implying that a thing is tenuous, delicate or unsubstantial by its very nature: the evanescent radiance of the sunset; an evanescent glimpse of the truth.