temporal

¹

[ tem-per-uhl, tem-pruhl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to time.
2. pertaining to or concerned with the present life or this world; worldly:

   temporal joys.

3. enduring for a time only; temporary; transitory ( eternal ).
4. Grammar.
   1. of, relating to, or expressing time:

      a temporal adjective, such as recent, or a temporal adverb, such as recently.

   2. of or relating to the tenses of a verb.
5. secular, lay, or civil, as opposed to ecclesiastical.

noun

1. a temporal possession, estate, or the like; temporality.
2. something that is temporal; a temporal matter or affair.

temporal

²

[ tem-per-uhl, tem-pruhl ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or situated near the temple or a temporal bone.

noun

1. any of several parts in the temporal region, especially the temporal bone.

temporal

¹

/ ˈtɛmpərəl; ˈtɛmprəl /

adjective

1. anatomy of, relating to, or near the temple or temples

temporal

²

/ ˈtɛmpərəl; ˈtɛmprəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to time
2. of or relating to secular as opposed to spiritual or religious affairs

   the lords spiritual and temporal

3. lasting for a relatively short time
4. grammar of or relating to tense or the linguistic expression of time in general

   a temporal adverb

temporal

/ tĕm′pər-əl /

1. Relating to or near the bones that form the sides and part of the base of the skull.

Derived Forms

• ˈtemporalness, noun
• ˈtemporally, adverb

Other Words From

• tem·po·ral·ly adverb
• tem·po·ral·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporal¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English (adjective and noun) from Latin temporālis, equivalent to tempor- (stem of tempus ) “time” + -ālis adjective suffix; -al ¹

Origin of temporal²

First recorded in 1535–45; from Late Latin temporālis, equivalent to tempor- (stem of tempus ) temple ² + -ālis -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporal¹

C16: from Late Latin temporālis belonging to the temples; see temple ²

Origin of temporal²

C14: from Latin temporālis, from tempus time

Example Sentences

This distortion of time, called temporal disintegration, can isolate people in a stressful moment and disrupt the linear flow of time that weaves our life story together, affecting personal identity.

From Salon

However, there is a lack of information about how trauma-related distortions in perceived time may be associated with our perceptions of the future, creating a gap in understanding the lasting impacts of temporal disintegration.

From Salon

In a 2023 essay at PsyPost, Eric Dolan explains the concept of “temporal disintegration” and its implications:

From Salon

Experiencing a psychological phenomenon known as temporal disintegration during or shortly after a collective trauma is associated with higher levels of distress both in the immediate aftermath and over time, according to new research published in Clinical Psychological Science.

From Salon

The findings suggest that the acute temporal distortions experienced during a trauma are an important contributor to future expectations and fears.

From Salon

Related Words

• earthly
• materialistic
• physical
• sensual