Fleeting
/ˈfliːtɪŋ/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Fleeting describes something that happens or exists for a very short time and then disappears quickly. It is often used to talk about moments, feelings, or experiences that do not last long.
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See It in Action
Lasting for a very short time
- •She had a fleeting thought about calling her friend but changed her mind.
- •The beauty of the sunset was fleeting, disappearing within minutes.
- •His fleeting happiness faded as soon as the news arrived.
Passing quickly or temporarily
- •Fleeting moments of joy can make a hard day better.
- •The feeling of pain was fleeting after the medicine worked.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'fleeting' like 'short' or 'quick,' but about time or moments that pass very fast
- ✓Picture a shooting star in the night sky: bright but gone in seconds
- ✓It's the feeling when you catch a smile from someone and it disappears immediately
- ✓Sounds like 'fleet-ing' → imagine a fast fleet of ships quickly sailing away, gone before you know it
- ✓Remember the phrase 'fleeting moment' in stories or movies when something important happens fast and then is gone
- ✓NOT like 'long' or 'lasting,' which stay for a long time; 'fleeting' is very brief
- ✓NOT like 'slow,' which takes time; 'fleeting' means very fast or short duration
- ✓NOT like 'permanent,' which stays forever; 'fleeting' is temporary and soon gone
Try Other Words
- •Temporary: lasting for a limited time (Use when emphasizing that something will end or change soon)
- •Momentary: lasting for a very short moment (Use when something lasts only a very brief instant)
- •Short-lived: lasting a short time (Use when something does not last long, often for events or feelings)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root 'fleet' (to move swiftly) + suffix '-ing' (makes adjective describing action or quality)
- •Etymology: From Old English 'flēotan' meaning to float, move, or flow swiftly
- •Historical development: Originally related to moving quickly or floating, evolved to describe time or events that pass fast
- •Modern usage: Used to describe quick or brief experiences, feelings, or moments that do not last long
Reflect & Connect
•Can something good be more valuable because it is fleeting? Why or why not?
•How does knowing that moments are fleeting change the way you live your daily life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The feeling of excitement was fleeting because it ___ very quickly after the event ended.
2.A fleeting smile can ___ a lot about a person's true feelings in just a second.
3.Unlike permanent memories, fleeting moments are often ___ and hard to remember clearly.
4.When something is fleeting, it usually does not ___ for a long time.
5.The artist tried to capture the fleeting beauty of a sunset ___ a painting.
6.Fleeting thoughts often come and go ___ without staying in your mind.
7.People sometimes chase fleeting happiness, but lasting joy usually ___ more effort.