adj
temporal
TEHM-puh-ruhl
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."
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."
3
Relating to the temples of the skull, the area beside the eyes.
"The scan showed activity in the temporal lobe of the brain."
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
Word Forms
more temporal comparative, temporals plural, most temporal superlative
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The novel jumps around with a confusing _____ structure.
Etymology
From Latin temporālis, "relating to time," from tempus, "time" — related to "temper" and "temperature."