What is temporarily? Pronunciation and usage in English

temporarily means . Learn how to pronounce and use temporarily through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of temporarily

temporarilyadverb

/ˈtɛmp(ə)r(ər)ɪli/
Definition & pronunciation of temporarily

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "temporarily" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈtem.pər.ə.ˌrili

2. Breakdown by Syllable:

  • tem-: Sounds like "tem" as in "tempt." ( /tem/ )
  • por-: Sounds like "pour" (as in the drink). ( /pɔr/ ) - This is a key sound!
  • ə-: This is a schwa sound – a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It’s like the “a” in “about.” ( /ə/ )
  • -rr-: A very quick, slight trill. Think of very lightly rolling your 'r's. ( /r/ )
  • -li: Sounds like "lee" (as in "see"). ( /li/ )

3. Putting it Together - A Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Start with "tem": Say "tem" as in "tempt."
  2. Add "pour": Next, say "pour" like the liquid.
  3. The Schwa: Now, insert a very short “uh” sound – like you're saying "a" in "about" – right between “pour” and “rr.” Think of it as almost blending the two sounds together.
  4. Roll the "r": Quickly roll your tongue on a "r" sound. It's a very brief, subtle roll, not a full, forceful roll.
  5. Finish with "lee": Finish with “lee” as in “see”.

4. Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • The "r" sound is crucial: Many people over-emphasize the "r" and make it sound like a full "er" sound. Keep it light and quick.
  • Don't stress the "por": The "por" is a relatively unstressed syllable. It’s the schwa sound that carries the main emphasis.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Here are some good resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "temporarily" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: Forvo is a website with pronunciations from native speakers. (https://forvo.com/) - Search for "temporarily" there.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce temporarily" – you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

5. Simplified Version (for a quick impression):

"tem-por-uh-ree-lee" (Focus on the schwa and the quick "r")

Would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., just the "r" sound)?
  • Give you a longer audio example?

Usage and examples with the word temporarily in English

Let's break down how to use the word "temporarily" in English. It essentially means "for a limited time" or "for a short period." Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Basic Usage:

  • As an Adverb: "Temporarily" most commonly functions as an adverb, modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

    • Modifying a Verb: “He will be temporarily out of office.” (Meaning he’ll be away for a short time.)
    • Modifying an Adjective: “The store is offering a temporarily reduced price.” (Meaning the price is reduced for a limited time.)
    • Modifying Another Adverb: “I’ll be temporarily employed there.” (Meaning I’ll have a short-term job.)

2. Common Phrases & Examples:

  • Temporarily closed: "The museum is temporarily closed for renovations." (It will reopen later.)
  • Temporarily unavailable: "The website is temporarily unavailable due to technical difficulties." (It will be working again soon.)
  • Temporarily displaced: "Many families were temporarily displaced after the hurricane." (They've been moved for a short time.)
  • Temporarily employed: “She’s temporarily employed as a consultant.” (She’s working on a short-term project.)
  • Temporarily retired: “He temporarily retired from his job to travel.” (He planned to come back eventually.)
  • Temporarily living: “They are temporarily living with their sister while they find a new apartment.” (They’re staying with her for a while.)
  • Temporarily banned: “He was temporarily banned from the forum for violating the rules.” (The ban is only for a set period.)

3. Contextual Nuances:

  • Implies a future end: "Temporarily" always suggests that the situation will change and eventually end. It’s not permanent.
  • Can be used with specific durations: You can add time phrases to make it more specific.
    • “He’s temporarily out of office for two weeks.”
    • “The store is offering a temporarily reduced price until Friday.”

4. Distinguishing from Similar Words:

  • Short-term: Often interchangeable with “temporarily,” but “short-term” is often used in business contexts (e.g., “short-term loan”).
  • Temporary: A closer synonym to "temporarily," often used more generally.
  • Transient: Suggests something passing through; more about movement and change than a defined period. "A transient population" refers to people who move in and out.

5. Example Sentences Showing Different Uses:

  • "I'll have a temporary tattoo this weekend." (A short-lived marking)
  • "The road is temporarily blocked due to construction." (For a limited time)
  • "She’s temporarily happy, but I know it won’t last." (A state that won’t be sustained)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using “temporarily” in? (e.g., business, personal, academic writing, etc.)
  • Could you provide a sentence you’re trying to write where you want to use this word?

Synonyms for the word temporarily

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