all-too-brief
Meaning
lasting for a disappointingly short time; regrettably short.
Structure
Usage
their reunion was an all-too-brief moment of happiness in a difficult year.
the documentary offered only an all-too-brief glimpse into the artist's creative process.
we enjoyed an all-too-brief period of peace before the negotiations broke down.
Etymology
the compound adjective 'all-too-brief' is a modern english formation that intensifies the sense of regrettable brevity. its components are native english words: 'all' and 'too' are of old english origin, used as intensifiers, while 'brief' entered english from old french 'brief', itself from latin 'brevis' meaning short. the phrase's logic is transparent, combining these elements to express a common sentiment that something desirable was, unfortunately, not long enough. it follows a productive english pattern of creating hyphenated adjectival phrases for emphatic description.
Analysis
all (old english, meaning 'entirely, wholly'); too (old english, meaning 'excessively, beyond what is desirable'); brief (latin via old french, meaning 'short in duration').