Fleetingness: meaning, definitions and examples
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fleetingness
[ˈfliːtɪŋnəs ]
Definition
short-lived
The quality of being fleeting or lasting for a very short time.
Synonyms
ephemerality, transience, transitoriness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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fleetingness |
Fleetingness is used to describe something that lasts for a very short period of time. It often conveys the idea that the moment or experience is temporary and quickly passes.
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transience |
Transience is commonly used to refer to the temporary nature of something or someone, especially when referring to life, emotions, or states of being. It often has a slightly philosophical or reflective tone.
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ephemerality |
Ephemerality is often used in more formal or literary contexts to emphasize the short duration of an event or object, especially in nature or art.
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transitoriness |
Transitoriness emphasizes the short-lived or temporary nature of something. It is often used in formal writing and discussions, especially in philosophy or sociology.
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Examples of usage
- The fleetingness of youth is often romanticized in literature.
- Her joy was overshadowed by the fleetingness of the moment.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the verb 'flee,' which means to run away swiftly, suggesting a sense of movement and impermanence.
- In Middle English, related terms used to describe something transient convey a similar meaning of rapid departure or lack of permanence.
Literature
- Many poets write about fleeting moments, using the idea to reflect on beauty and how it can quickly fade away.
- William Wordsworth’s poetry often captures fleetingness by highlighting moments of joy that are short-lived in nature.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that our perception of time can make experiences feel fleeting, notably during intense moments of happiness or joy.
- Emotional states influence the perception of fleetingness; time may feel quicker during joyful experiences and slower during discomfort.
Art
- In visual art, concepts of fleetingness are frequently explored, particularly in impressionistic works that capture transient light and moments.
- The transient beauty of a sunset is a popular scene in art, symbolizing how quickly beautiful moments can pass.
Culture
- In many cultures, marking the fleeting nature of time is symbolized through festivals celebrating the changing seasons.
- The philosophical concept of 'carpe diem,' or 'seize the day,' emphasizes embracing fleeting moments as they occur.
Translations
Translations of the word "fleetingness" in other languages:
🇵🇹 efemeridade
🇮🇳 क्षणिकता
🇩🇪 Vergänglichkeit
🇮🇩 kefanaan
🇺🇦 минущість
🇵🇱 przemijalność
🇯🇵 儚さ
🇫🇷 éphémérité
🇪🇸 transitoriedad
🇹🇷 geçicilik
🇰🇷 덧없음
🇸🇦 زوال
🇨🇿 pomíjivost
🇸🇰 pominuteľnosť
🇨🇳 短暂性
🇸🇮 minljivost
🇮🇸 skammvinnleiki
🇰🇿 өтпелілік
🇬🇪 წამიერობა
🇦🇿 müvəqqəti
🇲🇽 transitoriedad