Definition

Adjective 1. Lasting for a very short time; brief and transient: Describes something that exists, occurs, or is experienced for only a moment, an instant, or a fleeting period. 2. Ephemeral; passing quickly: Implies a duration so short it is almost immediate, often suggesting the temporary nature of a state, feeling, or event.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a brief event or state:
  • There was a momentary silence after the announcement before the crowd erupted.
  • She felt a momentary pang of regret but quickly dismissed it.
• Describing a very short-lived action or appearance:
  • A momentary flash of lightning illuminated the entire sky.
  • He caught only a momentary glimpse of the bird before it flew away.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Momentary lapse": A very short period of forgetfulness, inattention, or failure in judgment.
  • A momentary lapse in concentration caused him to miss the crucial detail.
• Often used to emphasize the contrast between the brevity of an event and its potential significance or impact.
  • The momentary hesitation cost him the opportunity.

Variants and Related Words

• Momentarily (adverb): For a very short time; very soon.
  • The power was momentarily interrupted.
• Moment (noun): A very brief period of time. This is the root noun from which "momentary" is derived.
• Momentariness (noun, rare): The quality of being momentary.

Synonyms

• Fleeting: Passing swiftly; vanishing quickly (often with a poetic or graceful connotation).
• Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
• Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time (often used for things that are naturally short-lived).
• Brief: Of short duration.
• Fugitive : Lasting only a short time; elusive.

Antonyms

• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.
• Lasting: Continuing for a long time; enduring.
• Enduring: Long-lasting; durable.
• Persistent: Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action; continuing to exist.

Notes on Usage

• "Momentary" vs. "Momentarily": Be careful with the adverb "momentarily." In American English, it commonly means "in a moment; very soon" (e.g., ). In British English, it more strictly retains the meaning "for a moment" (e.g., ). The adjective "momentary" always means "lasting for a moment."
• The word inherently carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation regarding the insufficiency or fragility of the duration, though this depends on context.

Adjective

1. lasting for a markedly brief time
   • a fleeting glance
   • fugitive hours
   • rapid momentaneous association of things that meet and pass
   • a momentary glimpse