momentary

[ moh-muhn-ter-ee ]

adjective

1. lasting but a moment; very brief; fleeting:

   a momentary glimpse.

2. that might occur at any moment; ever impending:

   to live in fear of momentary annihilation.

3. effective or recurring at every moment; constant.

momentary

/ ˈməʊməntərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. lasting for only a moment; temporary

Derived Forms

• ˈmomentariness, noun

Other Words From

• momen·tari·ness noun
• inter·momen·tary adjective
• non·momen·tari·ness noun
• non·momen·tary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of momentary¹

1425–75; late Middle English momentare < Latin mōmentārius. See moment, -ary

Example Sentences

There was a momentary confusion.

From Salon

That was just momentary because, after a couple of months, people really loved it.

From Salon

Taylor told an investigation by the teaching regulator that he hoped the victims could “move on from the experience in a positive way” and apologised for his “momentary lapse of judgement”.

From BBC

English resurgence or momentary defiance?

From BBC

This commitment to maintaining the show’s signature warmth and intimacy allowed the contestants — and the viewers — to experience a momentary respite from the anxieties of the outside world, which is the same ethos that continues to resonate as the new season approaches.

From Salon

Related Words

• short-lived
• temporary
• transitory