Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lasting for a very short time; brief or transitory: Describes something that passes quickly and is not permanent.
   • Moving swiftly; passing rapidly: Describes something that moves or changes so fast it is difficult to grasp or hold onto.

Usage

The adjective "fleeting" is used to describe moments, impressions, feelings, or appearances that are extremely brief. It emphasizes the ephemeral, temporary nature of an experience. It is often used in a slightly poetic or reflective context.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • We shared a fleeting smile before she turned away.
  • He caught only a fleeting glimpse of the bird before it flew into the forest.
  • Fame is often fleeting, lasting only for a short period.
  • A feeling of fleeting joy passed through her.

Advanced Usage

• "Fleeting moment": A very brief, often significant, instant in time.
  • In that fleeting moment, he understood everything.
• "Fleeting thought": A thought that appears and disappears very quickly.
  • A fleeting thought of regret crossed his mind.
• "Fleeting impression": A quick, often superficial, perception or feeling.
  • The interview left only a fleeting impression on the panel.

Variants and Related Words

• Fleetingly (adverb): In a way that lasts for a very short time.
  • He smiled fleetingly and then looked serious again.
• Fleetness (noun): The quality of being swift or rapid. (Note: This is more commonly associated with speed than brief duration, but is related).

Synonyms

• Brief: Lasting for a short time.
• Momentary: Lasting for a very brief moment.
• Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
• Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time (often with a poetic or biological connotation).
• Fugitive: Quick to disappear; fleeting (a more literary synonym).

Antonyms

• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.
• Enduring: Lasting over a long period; durable.
• Lasting: Continuing for a long time.
• Persistent: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action.

Idioms and Phrases

• Here today, gone tomorrow: An idiom describing something that is very temporary or fleeting, similar in meaning.
  • Fashion trends are often here today, gone tomorrow.

Adjective

1. lasting for a markedly brief time
   • a fleeting glance
   • fugitive hours
   • rapid momentaneous association of things that meet and pass
   • a momentary glimpse