Fleeting: meaning, definitions and examples

Suitable when referring to something that happens very quickly and is over almost immediately.

• She caught a fleeting glimpse of the bird before it flew away.
• The feeling of happiness was fleeting but memorable.

Ideal for describing something that is temporary, often used in the context of movement or change, and can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• The transient nature of urban populations makes it difficult to maintain stable communities.
• He took a transient job until he could find something permanent.

Appropriate when talking about something that lasts for a short duration, but long enough to be more than just a moment.

• They had a brief conversation in the hallway.
• The meeting was brief but productive.

Best for describing something that happens in a very short period, typically just a moment or an instant.

• There was a momentary pause before he answered.
• She felt momentary panic before composing herself.

Used for something that is short-lived, but often with a sense of delicate beauty or rarity.

• The ephemeral nature of cherry blossoms is widely admired in Japan.
• The artist's ephemeral creations leave a lasting impression.