temporary

Pronunciation: /ˈtɛmpərəri/

adjective

Difficulty: common

Definition of temporary

temporary (adjective): Lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent, often serving a short-term purpose or existing in a transient state.

Example: The committee appointed a temporary chairperson to oversee the meeting until a permanent leader could be elected.

Best for: common-difficulty vocabulary; learners who already know "ephemeral" or "momentary"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Origin of temporary

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: temporarius

Original meaning: of time

How it evolved: Initially used to describe something pertaining to time, it evolved to emphasize things that are short-lived or provisional.

Derived from Latin 'temporarius,' meaning 'of time,' the word reflects the transient nature of something bound by time.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember temporary

Think of 'temp' as in 'temperature'—it can change quickly and doesn't last forever, just like something temporary.

Synonyms for temporary

Antonyms of temporary

temporary in a Sentence

  1. The committee appointed a temporary chairperson to oversee the meeting until a permanent leader could be elected.
  2. Her position at the company was temporary, but she used the opportunity to gain invaluable experience.
  3. The scaffolding, though temporary, was sturdy enough to support the workers throughout the renovation project.

temporary in Literature & Culture

The concept of 'temporary' is explored in literature and philosophy, often symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and human experiences, as seen in works like Shakespeare's sonnets.

Usage Notes

The word 'temporary' is often contrasted with 'permanent,' and its usage typically implies a clear expectation of change or replacement. Avoid confusing it with 'temporal,' which can have broader connotations related to time or worldly matters.

Why temporary Matters for GRE & SAT

As a common GRE word, 'temporary' often appears in reading comprehension passages to describe transient conditions, provisional solutions, or fleeting circumstances, making it important for test-takers to understand its nuances.

Word Family

temporarily (adverb)
For a limited period of time.
temporariness (noun)
The state or quality of being temporary.
temporal (adjective)
Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular.

Did You Know?

  • In ancient Roman times, 'temporarius' was used in legal contexts to describe provisional arrangements.
  • The word 'temporary' gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution, as temporary labor became more common.
  • In pop culture, the phrase 'temporary insanity' has been popularized in courtroom dramas and films.
  • ephemeral
  • transient
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual

More Vocabulary Words Starting with T

  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — implied without being directly expressed
  • tacit — Understood or implied without being stated
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • taciturn — of few words; speaking little
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tact — skill in handling difficult situations without causing offense
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangential — only superficially relevant
  • tangible — capable of being touched; real or actual