fleeting comment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fleeting comment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a remark or statement that is brief and not meant to be taken seriously or remembered for long. Example: "During the meeting, she made a fleeting comment about the project's timeline that went unnoticed by most attendees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Now, he says, too much was made of this fleeting comment (the middle classes like nothing better than to talk about the middle classes).

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Fleeting comments are heard from Mackintosh while Nicholas Hytner, who directed Miss Saigon, is among those given a special thanks from the dramatist in the show's programme.

The Guardian

Here the fleeting but revealing comment comes when John Lithgow, the narrator, says Manet shocked "by depicting a working-class woman as a rich courtesan and by elevating his subject matter to the status of a grand Salon painting".

The New York Times - Arts

Helping to put meat on the bones of each week's necessarily fleeting overview, the comments and recommendations of readers will be an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to dig deeper.

The Guardian - Music

There are also photographs by Felix Gonzalez-Torres, including a group of five framed gelatin silver prints (from an edition of two) showing birds that seem to disappear into the sky, the artist's comment on the fleeting nature of life.

The New York Times - Arts

The production pays tribute to this notable pair, while commenting on the fleeting nature of fame and RKO's negligible relationship with truth.

Huffington Post

As someone who's unaccountably ended up with the job of commenting on all this fleeting madness, turning its constant sourceless jabbing idiocy into some kind of coherent whole, it's traumatic.

Vice

Yet Mauner reminds us that Manet's earlier comment about fruit and flowers -- whose fleeting glories are traditional reminders of death in still life arrangements -- was anything but casual.

The New York Times - Books

Although the remarks the pope made to a crowd at the Cracow airport just before he boarded his plane included a fleeting reference to seeing one another "next time," some of his other comments had a valedictory feel.

The New York Times

Even comments, likes, and app engagements aren't enough since propagation is limited to fleeting, mostly unseen blips in a few friends' tickers.

Huffington Post

One would never attempt to call comments on blogs instances of real bonding though they have virtually the same function — fleeting moments of connection that is nowhere near anything we would call real bonding.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting comment" when you want to downplay the significance or impact of a remark. It suggests the comment was brief and not deeply considered.

Common error

Avoid analyzing a "fleeting comment" as if it were a well-considered statement. The term implies brevity and lack of serious intent, so extensive analysis might be inappropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting comment" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "fleeting" modifies the noun "comment". It describes the nature of the comment as brief and transient. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English, describing a remark that is brief and not meant to be taken seriously.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

General

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fleeting comment" denotes a brief and transient remark, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to downplay the significance of a statement, suggesting it wasn't seriously intended. While grammatically correct, it's relatively uncommon. Usage spans across news, arts, and general contexts, with authoritative sources like The New York Times employing it. Alternatives include "brief remark" or "passing observation". Remember to avoid overanalyzing such comments, as their fleeting nature implies they weren't meant for deep consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief remark

Focuses on the brevity of the comment, similar to "fleeting comment".

passing observation

Highlights the casual and transient nature of the comment.

quick statement

Emphasizes the speed and lack of deliberation behind the comment.

short utterance

Emphasizes the brevity and spoken nature of the comment.

transient remark

Stresses the temporary and insignificant nature of the comment.

momentary comment

Highlights that the comment happened in a particular moment.

casual remark

Highlights that the comment was informal and not seriously intended.

incidental statement

Indicates the comment was secondary or not the main point.

superficial comment

Highlights the lack of depth or consideration in the comment.

throwaway line

Suggests the comment was made without much thought or importance.

FAQs

What does "fleeting comment" mean?

A "fleeting comment" refers to a remark that is brief, quickly made, and often not deeply considered or of lasting importance. It suggests something said in passing.

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

You can use "fleeting comment" to describe a remark that someone made briefly and without much thought. For example: "During the presentation, he made a "fleeting comment" about the budget that most people didn't notice."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting comment"?

Alternatives to "fleeting comment" include "brief remark", "passing observation", or "quick statement". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to dwell on a "fleeting comment"?

Generally, it's not appropriate to dwell on a "fleeting comment", as the term suggests it wasn't intended to be significant. Overanalyzing it can give it undue importance.