WordValefleeting
passing swiftly; brief
In more detail
lasting for a very short time; passing quickly and disappearing
Examples
- We had only a fleeting moment together before he had to leave.
How to use fleeting
Fleeting describes something that exists or occurs for only a short time and often conveys a sense of loss or poignancy. It is more evocative and literary than the neutral 'brief', and suggests something too quick to fully grasp or retain. It commonly appears in descriptions of emotions, impressions, or observations that pass quickly.
Common phrases
- fleeting moment
- fleeting glance
- fleeting glimpse
- fleeting visit
- fleeting thought
Synonyms
transient · ephemeral · momentary · brief · passing
Opposites
permanent · lasting · enduring
Word family
fleet (verb/noun) · fleetingly (adverb)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse 'fleeting' with 'floating' or fail to recognize that it emphasizes the brevity and elusiveness of something, not just its movement or lightness.
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