fleeting
UK: ˈfliːtɪŋ | US: ˈfliːtɪŋ
adj. lasting for a very short time; transient
adj. passing quickly; ephemeral
fleet<swift> + ing<adjective suffix>
- fleet: From Old English flēot ("ship") and flēotan ("to float, swim"), later evolving to mean "swift" (as ships glide swiftly).
- ing: A suffix forming present participles or adjectives indicating a quality or action.
Etymology Origin:
The word fleeting originates from the Old English flēotan, meaning "to float or swim," which metaphorically extended to imply swift movement (like a ship gliding). By the 16th century, fleet came to mean "fast," and the suffix -ing turned it into an adjective describing something brief or passing quickly—like a ship vanishing over the horizon.
The sunset’s colors were fleeting, fading within minutes.
She caught a fleeting glimpse of the bird before it flew away.
Happiness can feel fleeting if not cherished.
His fame was fleeting, overshadowed by newer stars.
The storm brought fleeting relief from the summer heat.