fleeting

What does “fleeting” mean?

adjective.lasting for a very short time.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to time, nostalgia, or the ephemeral nature of experiences, such as beauty or joy. It emphasizes the idea that certain moments or feelings are transient and cannot be captured indefinitely, distinguishing it from similar words like "temporary," which may not carry the same emotional weight or sense of loss.

Common Confusions

Fleeting implies a brief, often poignant moment that evokes emotions, while temporary usually suggests a more neutral or functional duration without the same sense of loss or nostalgia.

Example Sentences

• She caught only a fleeting glimpse of the rare bird.