transience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transience" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state or quality of being temporary or fleeting, often in philosophical or poetic contexts. Example: "The beauty of the sunset is a reminder of the transience of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Silicon Spring break A tale of two traders The transience of power Internship Correction: Foursquare Reprints.

The Economist

Silicon Spring break A tale of two traders The transience of power Internship Correction: Foursquare Reprints Related topics Communications Electronics Technology industry Private equity Science and technologyIndia needs a million Olacabs: start-ups that use technology to overcome everyday problems.

The Economist

As a man used to "tremendous transience", a European cosmopolite with four languages, he warmed to these travelling players; and they to him, because he could open gilded doors.To sort out the "rats' nest" of their financial affairs required not only severing the Klein connection, but temporary exile from Britain to escape swingeing taxes.

The Economist

"All fields are places of outlasting transience," Mr Dee writes.

The Economist

It seems that beyond the minimum, storytelling itself is fundamentally fraudulent.Without that desperate shrug, Martha Cooley, an American writer, confronts the same questions of memory and transience in "The Archivist", a novel about the life of the feelings and their engagement with history, religion, poetry and music.

The Economist

Silicon Spring break A tale of two traders The transience of power Internship Correction: Foursquare Reprints Related topics United StatesSuch is the popular view of power.

The Economist

Old age often brings loneliness and sadness, but also a greater appreciation of the transience of all things—a thought that can be moving, not just depressing.

The Economist

She could only imagine how infuriating it would be if a doctor insisted her hot flushes were "all in her head".Mr Ferris keeps his prose direct and uncluttered, with only occasional flourishes (Tim's feet "were like two engorged and squishy hearts"; a diner's "fluorescent brutality" is "the national colour of insomnia and transience").

The Economist

Ever matter-of-fact, she liked that thought of transience, and always refused to sit for the painted portraits that might have lasted.

The Economist

Silicon Spring break A tale of two traders The transience of power Internship Correction: Foursquare ReprintsJürgen Tinggren, Schindler's boss, talks of a "second planet" of new consumers who are discovering the elation of elevation.

The Economist

Silicon Spring break A tale of two traders The transience of power Internship Correction: Foursquare Reprints Related topics Patents China Law Crime and law Intellectual propertyHowever, the main reason for favouring secrecy over patents is security.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts like life, time, or beauty, use "transience" to evoke a sense of poignancy and the preciousness of the present moment. This word adds depth to reflections on mortality and the human condition.

Common error

Avoid using "transience" in technical or scientific writing where more precise terms like "instability", "decay", or "temporary state" might be more appropriate. While "transience" can add a layer of philosophical meaning, it may lack the specificity required in those fields.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "transience" is as a noun. It denotes the quality or state of being transient, temporary, or fleeting. Ludwig examples confirm this, showcasing its use in phrases like "the transience of power" and "tremendous transience".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "transience" functions as a noun denoting the fleeting nature of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is used correctly and accessibly in written English. It appears across various contexts, from news to encyclopedias, signifying its widespread applicability. While grammatically sound, overusing "transience" in technical contexts should be avoided. Instead consider alternatives to add depth and meaning by evoking a sense of reflection on the temporary essence of the world around us, as well as to prevent a lack of specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impermanence

Stresses the lack of lasting existence or stability.

fleeting quality

Highlights the brief and quick passage of something.

ephemeral nature

Emphasizes the short-lived and fleeting aspect of something.

evanescence

Highlights the fading or disappearing quality of something.

momentariness

Highlights the existence of something for only a moment.

temporality

Focuses on the experience of time and its passing nature, adding a philosophical dimension.

fugacity

Emphasizes the tendency to flee or disappear quickly.

brevity

Focuses on the shortness of duration.

caducity

Stresses the frailty and liability to fall or decay.

short duration

A more literal way to express a brief existence.

FAQs

How can I use "transience" in a sentence?

You can use "transience" to describe the temporary nature of something, such as "The beauty of the cherry blossoms highlights the "transience" of life" or "The "transience" of power was a recurring theme in the king's speeches".

What words are similar to "transience"?

Similar words include "impermanence", "ephemeral nature", and "fleeting quality". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "transience" a formal or informal word?

"Transience" is generally considered a formal word, suitable for academic, literary, or philosophical contexts. In more casual settings, you might opt for a simpler term like "short-lived" or "temporary".

How does "transience" differ from "change"?

"Transience" specifically refers to the temporary or fleeting nature of something, implying that it will not last. "Change", on the other hand, simply indicates that something is different, without necessarily implying brevity. For example, the change of seasons versus the "transience" of youth.