Definition

Adverb: - For a limited time only; not permanently: Describes an action, state, or condition that lasts for a short or finite period and is not intended to be permanent.

Usage

The adverb "temporarily" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that the described situation is transient. It is typically placed before the main verb it modifies or at the beginning/end of a clause for emphasis.

Examples

• The main road is temporarily closed for repairs.
• She is temporarily staying with her parents while her apartment is renovated.
• Services have been suspended temporarily.
• I was temporarily blinded by the camera flash.

Advanced Usage

• "temporarily assigned/suspended/relocated": Common collocations in formal or professional contexts to describe non-permanent changes in status or position.
  • The officer was temporarily assigned to a different department.
• Used to soften statements about negative or inconvenient situations by emphasizing their short duration.
  • We regret that the online portal is temporarily unavailable.

Variants and Related Words

• Temporary (adjective): Lasting for only a limited period.
  • This is just a temporary solution.
• Temporariness (noun): The state or quality of being temporary (less common).
  • The temporariness of the arrangement suited everyone.

Synonyms

• For the time being: For now; until some other arrangement is made.
• Pro tem (abbreviation for ): For the time being (used formally, especially in official titles).
• In the interim: In the meantime; during the intervening time.
• Briefly: For a short time.

Antonyms

• Permanently: In a way that lasts or remains unchanged indefinitely.
• Lastingly: In a lasting or enduring manner.
• Indefinitely: For an unlimited or unspecified period.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A temporary measure: An action or solution intended for short-term use.
  • The traffic diversion is just a temporary measure.
• Temporarily out of service/action: Not functioning or available for a short time.
  • The elevator is temporarily out of service.

Adverb

1. for a limited time only; not permanently
   • he will work here temporarily
   • he was brought out of retirement temporarily
   • a power failure temporarily darkened the town