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Glite Dictionary
momentaneous

momentaneous

9.9
Lasting for a very short time
  • adjective
  • /ˌmoʊməˈteɪniəs/
  • Archaic
: momentáneo
  • The painter captured a momentaneous expression of surprise on the child's face.

Examples

  • She experienced a momentaneous lapse of concentration.

  • Their happiness was momentaneous, vanishing almost as soon as it appeared.

  • Such momentaneous changes in weather are difficult to predict.

  • The joy was momentaneous but unforgettable.

  • The happiness he felt was momentaneous, fading away in an instant.

  • She had a momentaneous doubt about her decision, but it quickly passed.

  • His momentaneous excitement was evident when he heard the good news.

Synonyms

fleeting
vsmomentaneous
66 6.3

Lasting only a short time

emphasizes short lasting rather than rapid motion
momentary
vsmomentaneous
42 4.8

Lasting only a very short time

is the same meaning but used as an alternative form
instantaneous
vsmomentaneous
33 5.1

Happening right away without any delay

refers to short length of time rather than immediate occurrence
transient
vsmomentaneous
30 7.0

Lasting only a short time and not permanent

focuses on very brief duration rather than longer temporary status
ephemeral
vsmomentaneous
17 8.6

Lasting only a very short time

focuses on brief duration rather than speed or suddenness
transitory
vsmomentaneous
11 6.8

Lasting only a short time

means short lasting rather than implying permanent change
fugitive
vsmomentaneous
5 7.4

Lasting only a short time and ending quickly

describes short duration plainly rather than implying temporary existence

Antonyms

perpetual
87 5.8

Lasting for a very long time without stopping

enduring
71 4.2

Continuing for a long time without fading

How Brief

instantaneous
33 5.1
momentaneous
  • Archaic
9.9
transient
30 7.0
temporary
538 3.0
lasting
178 3.1

Surface Forms

momentaneous positive

Morphology

momentaneous = moment (semi-transparent) = moment + aneous

The word is clearly based on 'moment', but the Latinate suffix '-aneous' is not very productive or obvious for most learners.

Etymology

The word momentaneous comes from the same root as moment, which means 'a very short time'. So something momentaneous lasts only a single moment and is therefore very brief or fleeting.