CultureAugust 20, 2026

transience

TRAN-zee-ens

Definition

The state or quality of lasting only for a short time; the fleeting or impermanent nature of existence.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'transire,' meaning 'to go across' or 'to pass over.' It entered English in the 17th century to describe things that pass by quickly or do not endure.

In the news

In the context of Japanese philosophical texts, transience describes the inevitability of decay and change. It is presented as a concept that helps individuals find peace by letting go of attachment to worldly things.

7 essential Asian philosophy books and their key teachings

Read the full article ↗

Tatler Asia

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