Gloss · Words · Words for time

Words for time, change and the in-between

For things that last a moment, things that last forever, and the strange stretch between two states. The highest point, the lowest, what is left after, and what is out of its time.

1. ephemeral adjectiveLasting a very short time.
2. evanescent adjectiveFading quickly, gone almost as soon as it appears.
3. liminal adjectiveThe in-between stage. Not where you were, not yet where you’re going.
4. sempiternal adjectiveLasting forever, without end.
5. halcyon adjectiveCalm, happy, and remembered as golden; usually said of a time in the past.
6. anachronism nounSomething that belongs to a different time than the one it is in.
7. vestige nounA small trace of something that has mostly gone.
8. zenith nounThe highest point; the top of someone’s success or of the sun’s path.
9. nadir nounThe lowest point.
10. oblivion nounThe state of being completely forgotten, or of noticing nothing.
11. idyllic adjectivePeaceful and perfect, like a picture of the countryside.
12. kismet nounFate; what was always going to happen.
13. serendipity nounFinding something good by chance, when you were not looking for it.
14. apricity nounThe warmth of the sun on a cold winter day.

Every word here is explained six ways on its own page, the way Gloss explains any word in the app: Plain, ADHD, Gen Z, Metaphor, Formal, or Like I’m 5. For iPhone, free for three days.

More collections

Untranslatable words · Words for feelings · Beautiful words · Words for people · Words for the senses · Words for ideas · Words with a story · All 110 words