Question

1. what is the best meaning of \fleeting\ as it is used in the following sentence on page 118?

\this time it was not a fleeting impression. this time the sled had -- and continued to have, as he blinked, and stared at it again -- that same mysterious quality that the apple had had so briefly.\

○ a. distracting
○ b. fading
○ c. gleaming
○ d. lasting

Explanation:

The sentence contrasts "fleet - ing impression" with something that "continued to have" a quality. The word "briefly" in relation to the apple also suggests a contrast with something short - lived. "Fleeting" means short - lived. "Fading" (B) implies a process of becoming less, which is related to something not lasting long. "Distracting" (A) means causing distraction, which is not related to the duration. "Gleaming" (C) is about shining. "Lasting" (D) is the opposite of what "fleeting" implies.

Answer:

B. fading