fleeting affection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting affection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary or short-lived feeling of love or fondness towards someone or something. Example: "Their relationship was marked by fleeting affection, never truly deepening into something more substantial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Both parts are composed almost exclusively of static interior shots framing bright, open doorways where men saunter in and out, bringing news, money, and their fleeting affections.

Vice

The care of those around them, a poignant instance, a fleeting moment of affection and myriad sediments of tenderness, these may coalesce in the mind of a new mother to chase away, like an industrious fan with a harsh yet invigorating breeze, all inappropriate thoughts and unpleasant feelings.

The Guardian - Books

But aides to Mr. Stringer said he had captured something less fleeting: the attention and affection of voters who are repelled by Mr. Spitzer's lawbreaking.

The New York Times

Perhaps it is in part the brevity of their reign that has led these woodland flowers to be regarded with such reverence and affection: their fleeting appearance, coupled with their physical fragility, invests them with a kind of sacredness.

The Guardian - Travel

In western culture and certainly in the English language, the word 'love' has been diluted into mere affection, a fleeting emotion.

HuffPost

Some things are, in keeping with my generation's tendencies toward fleeting preoccupations and quicksilver affections, only if wildly interesting for a half-minute.

Vice

As objects of affection go, rats are rather fleeting.

The New York Times - Style

Commiseration and communion, however fleeting, are thus given their place in the human enterprise, a reminder that life on this side of the grave is ultimately redeemable (and endurable) only through alliance and affection.

The New York Times - Books

Equal affection.

The New Yorker

Age: Fleeting.

The Guardian

Too fleeting!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider adding context to clarify the cause or object of the "fleeting affection" to give more weight to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "fleeting affection" when describing strong, long-lasting feelings. This phrase implies a superficial or temporary emotion, which can misrepresent the intended sentiment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting affection" primarily functions as an adjective-noun combination, where 'fleeting' modifies 'affection'. It describes a type of affection that is transient or short-lived. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, primarily within the news and media.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting affection" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe temporary or superficial feelings of fondness. Ludwig AI indicates that while present in news and media sources, its overall frequency is relatively low. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the transient nature of the affection, distinguishing it from deeper, more enduring emotions. Related phrases like "transient fondness" or "temporary affection" can offer similar nuances. The phrase's function is descriptive, and its register leans towards neutral to formal, making it suitable for analytical or detached writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

transient fondness

Emphasizes the temporary and passing nature of the fondness.

temporary affection

Directly indicates the affection is not permanent.

short-lived affection

Highlights the brief duration of the affectionate feeling.

ephemeral fondness

Uses a more literary term to suggest a very brief and delicate feeling.

passing affection

Suggests the affection is brief and not deeply felt.

superficial fondness

Indicates a lack of depth or sincerity in the affection.

momentary affection

Focuses on the very short duration of the feeling.

brief affection

Simply denotes the affection is of short duration.

casual affection

Suggests a lack of strong emotional investment.

shallow fondness

Emphasizes the lack of depth in the feeling of fondness.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting affection" to describe a temporary or superficial feeling of fondness. For example, "Their relationship was characterized by "fleeting affection", never developing into deep love".

What's the difference between "fleeting affection" and "lasting love"?

"Fleeting affection" describes a temporary or superficial feeling, while "lasting love" implies a deep, enduring emotional connection. The key difference lies in the duration and intensity of the emotion.

What can I say instead of "fleeting affection"?

Alternatives include "transient fondness", "temporary affection", or "short-lived affection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "fleeting affection" in formal writing?

Yes, "fleeting affection" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing relationships or emotions in a detached or analytical manner. However, consider the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone.