Fleeting

Pronunciation: /ˈfliːtɪŋ/

Definitions of fleeting

adjective lasting for a very short time; transient

Example Sentences

A1 The sunsets are fleeting in the winter months.

A2 Her smile was fleeting, but it brightened up the room.

B1 The feeling of happiness was fleeting, but she cherished it nonetheless.

B2 The opportunity to travel abroad was fleeting, so she decided to seize it.

C1 The moment of clarity was fleeting, but it helped him make a crucial decision.

C2 The fleeting glimpse of the rare bird was enough to make the birdwatcher's day.

Examples of fleeting in a Sentence

formal The opportunity to work with such a prestigious company was fleeting.

informal I caught a fleeting glimpse of the celebrity as they walked by.

slang My chance to win the game was just a fleeting moment.

figurative The feeling of happiness was fleeting, like a passing cloud in the sky.

Grammatical Forms of fleeting

• past tense: fleeted
• plural: fleetings
• comparative: more fleeting
• superlative: most fleeting
• present tense: fleet
• future tense: will fleet
• perfect tense: have fleet
• continuous tense: is fleeting
• singular: fleeting
• positive degree: fleeting
• infinitive: to fleet
• gerund: fleeting
• participle: fleeted

Origin and Evolution of fleeting

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'fleeting' originated from the Middle English word 'fleten' which means to float or drift away quickly.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'fleeting' has retained its original meaning of something passing quickly or transient, but has also come to be used in a more metaphorical sense to describe fleeting moments or fleeting opportunities.