temporary

[ tem-puh-rer-ee ]

adjective

1. lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent:

   a temporary need;

   a temporary job.

   Synonyms: passing, impermanent

   Antonyms: permanent

noun

, plural tem·po·rar·ies.

1. temp ( def 1 ).

temporary

/ ˈtɛmprərɪ; ˈtɛmpərərɪ /

adjective

1. not permanent; provisional

   temporary accommodation

2. lasting only a short time; transitory

   temporary relief from pain

noun

1. a person, esp a secretary or other office worker, employed on a temporary basis Often shortened totemp

Derived Forms

• ˈtemporariness, noun
• ˈtemporarily, adverb

Other Words From

• tem·po·rar·i·ly [tem-p, uh, -, rair, -, uh, -lee, tem, -p, uh, -rer-], adverb
• tem·po·rar·i·ness noun
• non·tem·po·rar·i·ness noun
• non·tem·po·rar·y adjective
• un·tem·po·rar·y adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin temporārius, equivalent to tempor- (stem of tempus ) “time” + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of temporary¹

C16: from Latin temporārius, from tempus time

Synonym Study

Temporary, transient, transitory agree in referring to that which is not lasting or permanent. Temporary implies an arrangement established with no thought of continuance but with the idea of being changed soon: a temporary structure. Transient describes that which is in the process of passing by, and which will therefore last or stay only a short time: a transient condition. Transitory describes an innate characteristic by which a thing, by its very nature, lasts only a short time: Life is transitory.

Example Sentences

Even those who have papers face being harassed, and now many who made temporary homes in Turkey want to leave - legally if possible - but, where necessary, they use people smugglers.

From BBC

But she would be eager to use federal property for temporary shelters — as some Trump administration officials proposed during his first term in office — Bass said.

From Los Angeles Times

This year, we are again in the thick of the season and temporary measures have been announced, like banning construction work.

From BBC

The driver of the other vehicle denied speeding but a judge imposed a temporary driving ban after finding they were driving too fast.

From BBC

Industries, including the agricultural, manufacturers, hotels and restaurant sectors, often rely on undocumented or temporary workers because they can’t get Americans to do the work.

From New York Times

Related Words

• brief
• interim
• limited
• makeshift
• momentary
• provisional
• short-lived
• transitory