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

In a statement, it described the investigation as “frivolous” and said “all temporary and full-time workers understand the hazards and appropriate safety measures of their assigned role.”

From New York Times

It aims to offer a safe space for women with cancer, acting as a temporary solution for the issues within some parts of the spa industry.

From BBC

A Travis County judge then issued a temporary restraining order to stop the execution going ahead before the hearing took place.

From BBC

But this time, there’s no consolation, not even temporary, in whiskey and dancing.

From New York Times

But from the time of Smyth’s prosecution, the family were given temporary residency permits, which had to be renewed every 30 days.

From BBC

Related Words

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