Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Lasting for only a short time; not permanent: Describes something that exists or continues for a brief period before ending or changing.

Usage

The word "transitory" is used to describe states, feelings, conditions, or phenomena that are temporary and fleeting. It often carries a neutral or slightly philosophical tone, acknowledging the brief nature of existence.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The pain was intense but transitory.
  • We must remember that these economic difficulties are transitory.
  • He found only transitory happiness in material possessions.

Advanced Usage

• In a philosophical or literary context: Used to reflect on the impermanent nature of life, emotions, or worldly things.
  • The poet meditated on the transitory nature of human glory.
• In formal or technical writing: Used to describe temporary conditions in fields like economics, law, or medicine.
  • The patient experienced transitory ischemic attacks.
  • The report noted a transitory spike in inflation.

Variants and Related Words

• Transience (n): The state or fact of lasting only for a short time.
  • The transience of fashion trends is well-known.
• Transitorily (adv): In a transitory manner.
  • The power was transitorily restored.

Synonyms

• Temporary: Lasting for only a limited period.
• Fleeting: Lasting for a very short time.
• Ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time (often used for things that are delicate or beautiful).
• Transient: Lasting only for a short time; impermanent.
• Passing: Going by quickly; not lasting.

Antonyms

• Permanent: Lasting or intended to last indefinitely without change.
• Enduring: Lasting over a long period.
• Lasting: Continuing for a long time.
• Eternal: Lasting or existing forever; without end.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Transitory phase: A temporary stage in a process.
  • Adolescence is often seen as a transitory phase.
• Of a transitory nature: Having the quality of being temporary (formal).
  • The benefits were of a transitory nature.

Adjective

1. lasting a very short time
   • the ephemeral joys of childhood
   • a passing fancy
   • youth's transient beauty
   • love is transitory but it is eternal
   • fugacious blossoms