Which word means lasting a short time?

• A. emphemeral
• B. equivocate
• C. erudite
• D. esoteric

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is recognizing precise word meanings, especially about duration. Ephemeral describes something that lasts only for a very short time, meaning it’s fleeting or temporary. That makes it the right choice for a term meaning “lasting a short time.” The other words point to different ideas: to equivocate is to use vague language to avoid commitment, to be erudite means to have great knowledge, and to be esoteric means intended for or understood by a small, specialized audience. So ephemeral best fits the prompt. Note that the common spelling is ephemeral (not emphemeral).