What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fleeting
Example
The butterfly's visit was fleeting, and it flew away before I could take a picture. [fleeting: adjective]
Example
I caught a fleeting glimpse of the sunset before the clouds covered it up. [fleeting: adjective]
brief
Example
The meeting was brief, lasting only 15 minutes. [brief: adjective]
Example
Can you give me a brief summary of the article you read? [brief: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Brief is more commonly used than fleeting in everyday language. Brief is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while fleeting is more limited in scope and is often used in more poetic or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between fleeting and brief?
Both fleeting and brief are relatively formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, brief is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
