adjective
temporary
TEHM-puh-ruh-ree
adjective
1
Lasting for only a limited time; not permanent.
"They found temporary housing after the flood."
"It was only meant to be a temporary fix until we could afford a proper repair."
noun
1
Someone hired for a short, fixed period rather than as a permanent employee.
"The agency sent over a temporary to cover reception during the holidays."
How to Use Temporary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot permanent — meant to last only for a while.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "contemporary" (belonging to the same time period, or modern) — the words look similar but mean different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
temporary solution
temporary staff
temporary measure
Word Forms
more temporary comparative, temporaries plural, most temporary superlative
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They found _____ housing after the flood.
Etymology
From Latin temporarius, from tempus ("time").