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 notesIn plain EnglishBrief, temporary, here-and-gone.
Common pairings
transient pain
transient population
transient nature
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Word forms
- Plural
- transients
- Comparative
- more transient
- Superlative
- most transient
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").
Synonyms
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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.
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