How to use ephemeral and its derivatives in English (FCE, CAE, CPE )

 Exploring Ephemeral and Its Derivatives: 

A Guide for Brazilian Students of English

The word ephemeral is an elegant adjective that describes something short-lived or transitory. For Brazilian students, the concept of ephemeral can be linked to the Portuguese word efêmero(a), which shares the same meaning. However, English expands on this root with several derivatives that either don't exist in Portuguese or are rarely used. Let’s explore these derivatives, their meanings, examples, and connections to Portuguese.

Key Derivatives of Ephemeral

Ephemerality (noun): Refers to the quality or state of being ephemeral.

Portuguese Connection: While there is no direct translation for ephemerality as a noun in Portuguese, we could express it as a efemeridade or use the phrase a característica de ser efêmero.

Example: "The ephemerality of fireworks is part of their charm."

Portuguese Translation: "A efemeridade dos fogos de artifício é parte do seu encanto."

Ephemeron (noun): Refers to something that exists briefly, often in philosophical or biological contexts.

Portuguese Connection: The closest equivalent is efêmero, used as a noun. In biology, it directly refers to the insect efêmera. In English, this insect is called Mayfly.

Example: "The bubble floating in the air was a fragile ephemeron, bursting in seconds."

Portuguese Translation: "A bolha flutuando no ar era um efêmero frágil, estourando em segundos."

Ephemera (plural noun for ephemeron): Refers to items or things of short-lived interest or existence.

Portuguese Connection: The plural efêmeras is used, but more commonly, we describe these objects as coisas passageiras or transitórias.

Example: "The box was full of postcards and other vintage ephemera."

Portuguese Translation: "A caixa estava cheia de cartões-postais e outras efêmeras vintage."

Ephemerally (adverb): Describes the fleeting manner in which something occurs.

Portuguese Connection: The adverb efemeramente could be used, though it is extremely rare. Brazilians might rephrase this idea with de forma passageira or de maneira breve.

Example: "The flowers bloomed ephemerally, lasting only a few hours."

Portuguese Translation: "As flores floresceram efemeramente, durando apenas algumas horas."

Common Mistakes with Ephemeral and Its Derivatives

Learning how to use these words correctly is crucial! Here are examples with correct and incorrect uses, alongside tips for Brazilian learners:

Ephemeral (WRONG):

"The ephemeral of their journey was unforgettable."

Mistake: "Ephemeral" is an adjective but is used here as a noun.

Corrected: "The ephemeral nature of their journey was unforgettable."

Portuguese note: In Portuguese, you might naturally use efêmero as a noun, but in English, it requires a supporting word, like nature or quality.

Ephemerally (WRONG):

"The ephemerally of youth makes it precious."

Mistake: "Ephemerally" is an adverb, but a noun is needed here.

Corrected: "The ephemerality of youth makes it precious."

Portuguese note: In Portuguese, it's not common to see people using efemeramente, especially in Brazilian Portuguese. However, if you are trying to get a Cambridge certificate, it's advisable to use it whenever possible so as to showcase your English level.