247SimpleTests
ASVAB · Context Clues

In the sentence 'The fleeting moment passed before she could react,' the word FLEETING most nearly means:

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

Brief or passing quickly

  1. A Pleasant
  2. B Important
  3. C Repeated
  4. D Brief or passing quickly

Why this is the answer

FLEETING means passing swiftly; lasting only a short time. Context clues: 'passed before she could react' suggests the moment was very brief. From Old English 'fleotan' (to flee), related to fleet (fast-moving). Example: 'A fleeting smile crossed his face.' Synonyms: brief, momentary, transient, ephemeral, short-lived. Antonyms: lasting, enduring, permanent, prolonged. Context-clue strategy on the ASVAB: (1) Read the sentence carefully; (2) Look for hints about whether the word is positive or negative; (3) Try substituting each answer choice into the sentence — which makes sense?; (4) Consider the tone and other vocabulary around the word. The other choices fail: 'pleasant' doesn't fit (a pleasant moment can last); 'important' is contradicted (you wouldn't miss it); 'repeated' contradicts 'passed.'
Source: ASVAB WK — Context Reading

Practice more questions

This question is from our ASVAB Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Context Clues and other topics.

Take the Word Knowledge practice test →

About this topic: Context Clues

Context-clue questions give the word inside a sentence; the surrounding words tell you whether it is positive or negative, large or small, action or state. Use that before reaching for a definition. This is one of 10 Word Knowledge questions on context clues, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our ASVAB exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

Context Clues

In the sentence 'The corrupt politician accepted illicit payments from corporations,' ILLICIT most nearly means:

 Context Clues

In the sentence 'The chef garnished the dish with fresh herbs,' GARNISHED most nearly means:

 Context Clues

In 'The soldier showed great valor in battle, earning the Medal of Honor,' VALOR most nearly means:

 Context Clues

In 'The salesman tried to coerce the elderly woman into buying an expensive product she didn't need,' COERCE most nearly means:

Recommended study materials

Study guide

ASVAB Total Prep (Kaplan)

Kaplan's complete ASVAB guide with 1,000+ practice questions, 6 full-length tests, and AFQT focus.

Check Price → Study guide

Barron's ASVAB with Online Tests 12th Ed.

Comprehensive ASVAB review for all nine subtests with full-length practice exams and online tools.

Check Price → Study guide

ASVAB for Dummies 4th Ed. (Wiley)

Accessible, thorough ASVAB prep covering all subtests with tips for boosting your AFQT score.

Check Price →

As an Amazon Associate, CJ Affiliate, and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links above are affiliate links. Full disclosure →