adj
Uncommon
temporal
TEHM-puh-ruhl
Temporal (adj) means relating to time, as opposed to space or eternity. Example: “The novel jumps around with a confusing temporal structure.”
adj
1
Relating to time, as opposed to space or eternity.
"The novel jumps around with a confusing temporal structure."
"Grammar uses temporal markers like "yesterday" and "next week" to show when something happens."
"Physicists often describe the temporal dimension alongside the three dimensions of space."
2
Relating to worldly, everyday matters rather than spiritual or religious ones.
"The bishop dealt with temporal affairs like property, leaving spiritual matters to others."
"The old king held both spiritual and temporal power over his people."
"The priest was more concerned with temporal worries, such as repairing the church roof."
3
Relating to the temples of the skull, the area beside the eyes.
"The scan showed activity in the temporal lobe of the brain."
"He felt a throbbing pain in his temporal region as the headache began."
"The doctor pressed gently on the temporal area beside her left eye."
How to use temporal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRelating to time (as opposed to space or eternity) in everyday and academic use; in anatomy, relating to the temple area of the skull.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "temporary" — "temporal" means "relating to time" in general, not "lasting only a short while."
Easily confused with
Common pairings
temporal lobe
temporal order
temporal and spiritual
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like temporal.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- temporals
- Comparative
- more temporal
- Superlative
- most temporal
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The novel jumps around with a confusing _____ structure.
Etymology
From Latin temporālis, "relating to time," from tempus, "time" — related to "temper" and "temperature."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for temporal
See all rhymes for temporal →Frequently asked questions
What does “temporal” mean?
The word “temporal” means relating to time, as opposed to space or eternity. In plain terms, relating to time (as opposed to space or eternity) in everyday and academic use; in anatomy, relating to the temple area of the skull.
How do you pronounce “temporal”?
“Temporal” is pronounced TEHM-puh-ruhl (/ˈtɛm.pə.ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “temporal” in a sentence?
Here is “temporal” used in a sentence: “The novel jumps around with a confusing temporal structure.”
What part of speech is “temporal”?
“Temporal” is an adjective.
Where does the word “temporal” come from?
The word “temporal” comes from Latin. From Latin temporālis, "relating to time," from tempus, "time" — related to "temper" and "temperature.".
Is “temporal” a common word?
“Temporal” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “temporal” have?
“Temporal” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to time, as opposed to space or eternity.
What is the difference between temporal and spatial?
Temporal relates to time, while spatial relates to space — so a temporal sequence describes the order of events in time, whereas a spatial arrangement describes how things are positioned in physical space. The two terms are often paired to distinguish "when" from "where."
What is the difference between temporal and eternal?
Temporal refers to things bound by time, having a beginning and an end, while eternal describes something existing beyond time, without end. In religious or philosophical contexts, "temporal" is often contrasted with "eternal" to distinguish worldly, time-bound existence from timeless or spiritual existence.
What does "temporal power" mean, as opposed to spiritual power?
"Temporal power" refers to worldly, secular authority governing everyday practical affairs, as distinct from spiritual or religious authority. This use of "temporal" contrasts civil, earthly matters with matters of faith.
What is the temporal region of the skull?
The temporal region refers to the area on either side of the skull near the temples, beside the eyes. This anatomical sense of "temporal" is unrelated to the meanings involving time, though both trace back to a common Latin root.
