What is temporary? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of temporary

temporaryadjective

/ˈtɛmp(ə)r(ər)i/
Definition & pronunciation of temporary

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "temporary." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown with different approaches:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /tɛmˈpɛr.ən.ri (tem-PEH-ren-ree)

Let's break that down further:

  • tem: Pronounced like "tem" in "temperate." It’s a short, quick "tem" sound.
  • PEH: This is the tricky part! It's a sound that doesn't exist in many English words. It's similar to the sound in the French word "péché" (pronounced roughly “peh-shay”) or the German word “Peter.” It’s a voiced "p" sound (your voice vibrates). Some Americans might approximate it with a "d" sound, but the “peh” sound is better.
  • ren: Pronounced like "ren" in "rent."
  • ree: Pronounced like "ree" in "read."

Here's a phonetic transcription (more detailed):

[tɛmˈpɛr.ən.ri]

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Usage and examples with the word temporary in English

Let's break down how to use the word "temporary" in English. It's a very common and useful word, but it's important to understand its nuances.

1. Core Meaning:

"Temporary" means lasting for only a limited time; not permanent. It describes something that exists for a short period.

2. How to Use It – Examples:

Here's a breakdown of how to use "temporary" in different contexts:

  • Describing Situations/Jobs:

    • "He's on temporary leave from work." (He's away for a limited time.)
    • "We have a temporary office in the conference room." (It's a makeshift office for now.)
    • "The bridge is temporary, so it's only meant to last until the permanent one is finished." (It's a replacement, not a final solution.)
    • "I'm looking for a temporary position while I finish my degree." (A short-term job.)

  • Describing Objects/Arrangements:

    • "Don't move that – it's just a temporary display." (It's set up for a short period.)
    • “The scaffolding is temporary and will be removed once the painting is done.” (It’s erected for a specific purpose, then removed.)
    • "He left a temporary marker on the whiteboard." (A marker that’s been used briefly.)

  • Describing Feelings/States:

    • "She felt a temporary feeling of happiness." (A fleeting emotion.)
    • “His fever was temporary and he recovered quickly.” (The illness didn’t last very long.)

  • Formal/Legal Contexts:

    • "He was granted temporary guardianship of the children." (A short-term legal arrangement.)

3. Key Phrases & Combinations:

  • Temporary solution: A quick and easy way to deal with a problem, but not a permanent fix. ("Let's use a temporary solution until we find a proper one.")
  • Temporary worker: Someone employed on a short-term basis. ( “The company hired a temporary worker to help with the increased workload.”)
  • Temporary closure: A pause in something, often business or operations. (“The store will have temporary closure due to renovations.”)

4. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings):

  • Short-term
  • Provisional
  • Transient
  • Fleeting
  • Intermittent
  • Passing
  • Brief

5. Important Note: "Temporary" vs. "Temporary Relief"

Don’t confuse “temporary” with “temporary relief”. “Temporary relief” describes a slowdown or reduction in something that will eventually return. E.g., "The medication provided temporary relief from the pain."

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Synonyms for the word temporary

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