Fleeting
easyNegative toneFLEET-ing
adjective
Definition
Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly
Memory hook
FLEET-ing: a fleet of ships passes by quickly and is gone in a flash.
Examples
“She caught only a fleeting glimpse of the celebrity.”
“Their happiness was fleeting and soon gave way to worry.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“She caught only a ______ glimpse of the celebrity.”
Show answer
fleeting
Categories
GRE Tip
Fleeting is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "ephemeral" or "transient" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "enduring".
Related GRE Words
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
fugitive
Quick to disappear; fleeting; a person who has escaped
momentary
Lasting for a very short time; brief
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
transient
Lasting only for a short time; temporary
transitory
Not permanent; lasting only for a short time
Master fleeting and 1,000+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.