English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

transient

TRAN-zee-uhnt

Transient (adj) means lasting only a short time; passing quickly. Example: “The pain was transient and faded within an hour.”

adj
1
Lasting only a short time; passing quickly.
"The pain was transient and faded within an hour."
"Happiness can feel transient in stressful times."
noun
1
A person who stays somewhere only briefly, such as a traveller or migrant worker.
"The motel mostly houses transients passing through town."

How to use transient

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBrief, temporary, here-and-gone.

Common pairings
transient pain transient population transient nature

Word forms

more transient comparative, transients plural, most transient superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “transient” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pain was _____ and faded within an hour.

Etymology

From Late Latin "transiens," present participle of "transire" ("to pass over").

Origin: Late Latin

Related words

Rhymes for transient

See all rhymes for transient →

Frequently asked questions

What does “transient” mean?

The word “transient” means lasting only a short time; passing quickly. In plain terms, brief, temporary, here-and-gone.

How do you pronounce “transient”?

“Transient” is pronounced TRAN-zee-uhnt (/ˈtɹæn.ʃənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “transient” in a sentence?

Here is “transient” used in a sentence: “The pain was transient and faded within an hour.”

What is another word for “transient”?

Words with a similar meaning to “transient” include passing, transitory, temporary, fleeting, ephemeral and momentary.

What is the opposite of “transient”?

The opposite of “transient” — its antonyms — are permanent, chronic, inveterate, recurrent and immanent.

What part of speech is “transient”?

Depending on how it is used, “transient” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “transient” come from?

The word “transient” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin "transiens," present participle of "transire" ("to pass over").

Is “transient” a common word?

“Transient” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

Featured in

People also searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial