a fleeting encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fleeting encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a brief or momentary meeting or interaction with someone. Example: "Their eyes met for a brief moment, a fleeting encounter that would linger in their memories for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That Kevern once enjoyed a fleeting encounter with a recently murdered woman further complicates matters.

The Guardian - Books

As Meera and Dev lie together on the floor of an abandoned shrine during a fleeting encounter, a local boy spots them.

The New York Times - Books

According to legend, the novel is based on a fleeting encounter the author had in Paris with a beautiful girl called Yvonne, who was already engaged.

The Guardian - Books

In this production, David's early friendship with his schoolmate Steerforth is reduced to a fleeting encounter, though their relationship will be central later.

The New York Times - Arts

A fleeting encounter in the woods, filmed at medium range and with only a single, shocking sound effect, delivers a more effective jolt than any number of ax-wielding maniacs.

The New York Times

Ten weeks ago, working as a housekeeper at the Sofitel New York hotel, Ms. Diallo, 32, an immigrant from West Africa, had a fleeting encounter with Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then the head of the International Monetary Fund and a contender for the presidency of France.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

We also discussed consent in the context of a relationship and the different ways that people communicate consent in a relationship than they might do in a more fleeting encounter.

Vice

Moments after a cameraman captured their fleeting encounter, Mr. Spann was killed in a prison uprising.

The New York Times - Arts

This fleeting encounter raises a question: will this pleasant interchange affect whether or not I might vote for him?

BBC

In this New Year's season, as we yearn for a more peaceful coexistence, it might help to remember a more graceful if no less fleeting encounter between strangers.

The New York Times

The first displays a comic pas de deux for a tall woman and shorter man; the second is a fleeting romantic encounter; the third, a bravura pas de deux that eventually incorporates the entire cast to dazzling massed effect.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fleeting encounter" to add a touch of narrative to your writing, particularly when describing brief meetings that have a significant impact on characters or events. It's more evocative than simply saying "a brief meeting".

Common error

While "a fleeting encounter" is appropriate in narrative or descriptive writing, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical contexts where simpler terms like "brief meeting" or "momentary interaction" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fleeting encounter" functions as a noun phrase, where "fleeting" modifies the noun "encounter". It describes a brief and often casual meeting or interaction. Ludwig examples confirm that the phrase is used to depict short-lived interactions, often emphasizing their transient nature.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fleeting encounter" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief and often insignificant meeting or interaction. According to Ludwig, it functions as a noun phrase that emphasizes the transient nature of the encounter. Its register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives exist, this phrase effectively conveys brevity and is favored for its descriptive quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief meeting

Focuses on the brevity of the meeting, omitting the nuance of an unexpected or casual meeting.

a momentary interaction

Highlights the short duration of the interaction, suitable when emphasizing the act of interaction itself.

a passing interaction

Emphasizes the transient nature of the interaction, suggesting it was quick and not significant.

a quick exchange

Implies a reciprocal action or communication that happened rapidly.

a short-lived contact

Stresses the temporary nature of the contact, suitable for formal or scientific contexts.

a transient meeting

More formal and emphasizes the temporary nature of the meeting.

a chance meeting

Highlights the unplanned and accidental nature of the encounter.

a casual interaction

Focuses on the informality and lack of commitment in the interaction.

a one-time interaction

Highlights that the interaction happened only once.

a superficial encounter

Implies the encounter was brief and without deep engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "a fleeting encounter" in a sentence?

You can use "a fleeting encounter" to describe a brief or momentary meeting or interaction, such as: "Their eyes met for a brief moment, "a fleeting encounter" that would linger in their memories for years to come."

What can I say instead of "a fleeting encounter"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief meeting", "a momentary interaction", or "a passing interaction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "fleeting" to describe an encounter?

Yes, it is correct. The adjective "fleeting" accurately describes something that is brief or passes quickly, making it suitable for describing an encounter.

What's the difference between "a fleeting encounter" and "a memorable encounter"?

"A fleeting encounter" emphasizes the briefness of the interaction, while "a memorable encounter" highlights its impact or significance, regardless of its duration.