Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Lasting for a limited time; not permanent: Describes something that exists, is used, or is intended to last only for a short or limited period.
   • Intended to be used for the time being until something final exists: Describes a provisional measure or arrangement.

2. Noun:

   • A person employed for a limited time: Refers to a worker, especially in an office or clerical role, who is hired on a non-permanent basis.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:

  • The company set up a temporary office during the renovations. (This describes an office that is not permanent.)
  • This is just a temporary solution until we find a better one. (This describes a provisional measure.)
  • He found temporary work while searching for a career position. (This describes employment for a limited time.)

• Noun:

  • The agency sent a temporary to cover the reception desk. (This refers to a temporary worker.)
  • We need to hire a few temporaries for the holiday season. (This refers to multiple temporary workers.)

Advanced Usage

• "temporary measure": A provisional action taken to address an immediate need.

  • The traffic diversion is a temporary measure while the bridge is repaired.

• "temporary insanity" (Legal/psychological term): A state of mental impairment that is not permanent, often used as a legal defense.

  • The defense argued he acted in a state of temporary insanity.

Variants and Related Words

• Temporarily (adverb): For a limited time; not permanently.
  • The road is temporarily closed.
• Temporariness (noun): The state or quality of being temporary.
  • The temporariness of the arrangement made everyone uneasy.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Impermanent, provisional, interim, short-term, fleeting, transitory.
• Noun: Temp, contract worker, interim worker.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Permanent, lasting, eternal, perpetual, enduring.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Temporary fix": A repair or solution that is not meant to last.
  • Using tape was just a temporary fix for the leak.
• "Nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution" (Proverb): A saying highlighting how provisional measures often become long-lasting.

Adjective

1. lacking continuity or regularity
   • an irregular worker
   • employed on a temporary basis
2. not permanent; not lasting
   • politics is an impermanent factor of life- James Thurber
   • impermanent palm cottages
   • a temperary arrangement
   • temporary housing

Noun

1. a worker (especially in an office) hired on a temporary basis