fleeting encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "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 fleeting encounter at the coffee shop left a lasting impression on both of them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

And we did have a fast and fleeting encounter.

The Washington Post

After that fleeting encounter, Ms. Ashfaq said she did not give him a second thought.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Books

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

The New York Times - Arts

Logan, meanwhile, after a fleeting encounter with Yashida's femme-fatale doctor (Svetlana Khodchenkova), finds his recuperative abilities increasingly compromised.

The Washington Post

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Later, these fleeting encounters will be described as meetings.

The Guardian - Film

They speak guardedly but vividly of fleeting encounters, deep relationships, unexpressed feelings.

The New Yorker

The core love story, with all its near misses, coincidences and fleeting encounters, is given higher stakes by its setting.

The Guardian - Books

Her name is Orito Aibagawa, and after a couple of fleeting encounters De Zoet predictably falls in love with her.

The Guardian - Books

For those who delight in subway performers, these fleeting encounters have a frustrating coda: the train comes, the doors close and the music disappears.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fleeting encounter" to effectively convey the brevity and often the insignificance or unexpectedness of an interaction, especially when emphasizing its impact despite its short duration.

Common error

Avoid assuming that every "fleeting encounter" is inconsequential. While brief, such interactions can sometimes lead to significant personal or plot developments, especially in narrative contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fleeting encounter" functions as a noun phrase, where 'fleeting' modifies the noun 'encounter'. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a brief or momentary meeting. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fleeting encounter" is a commonly used phrase to describe a brief or momentary meeting. As Ludwig AI validates, it's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, remember that while a "fleeting encounter" is brief, it can still have a lasting impact or significance. Consider alternatives like "brief meeting" or "transient interaction" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This expression fits seamlessly into neutral and formal writing scenarios, lending itself to various narrative and descriptive purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brief meeting

Emphasizes the short duration of the meeting.

transient interaction

Highlights the temporary nature of the interaction.

short-lived contact

Focuses on the limited time span of the contact.

momentary exchange

Stresses the brief and instantaneous nature of the exchange.

passing interaction

Suggests a casual and brief interaction.

quick rendezvous

Implies a pre-arranged, but brief meeting.

short brush

Uses a metaphorical expression to indicate a brief and light contact.

cursory exchange

Highlights the superficial and hurried nature of the exchange.

casual meeting

Focuses on the informality and brevity of the meeting.

glancing interaction

Suggests a very brief and almost unnoticed interaction.

FAQs

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

You can use "fleeting encounter" to describe a brief and often chance meeting. For example: "Their "fleeting encounter" at the conference sparked a collaboration that lasted years."

What are some alternatives to "fleeting encounter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "brief meeting", "transient interaction", or "momentary exchange".

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

Yes, "fleeting encounter" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing an interaction in a concise and evocative manner. However, ensure the tone fits the overall context.

How does a "fleeting encounter" differ from a planned meeting?

A "fleeting encounter" typically implies a chance or unplanned meeting, whereas a planned meeting suggests a deliberate arrangement with a specific purpose. The key difference lies in the spontaneity and brevity of the "fleeting encounter".