fleetingly
|fleet/ing/ly|
C1
/ˈfliːtɪŋli/
(fleeting)
briefly
Etymology
Etymology Information
'fleetingly' originates from the Middle English word 'fleten,' which meant 'to float or drift.'
Historical Evolution
'fleten' transformed into the modern English word 'fleet,' and eventually became 'fleetingly' as an adverbial form.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to float or drift,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'briefly or temporarily.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that is brief or short-lived.
She smiled fleetingly before turning away.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/02/15 10:33