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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


transitory

adjective

Definition: lasting for only a short period of time--temporary

Synonyms: temporary, short-term, short-lived, momentary, fleeting, transient

Antonyms: lengthy, long-lived, permanent

Tips: Transitory is derived from the Late Latin transitorius, which means "passing through." The related noun transient refers to a person who lives somewhere temporarily, like the homeless. Transient is also an adjective and is synonymous with transitory. It describes something that is temporary and does not stay in one place for very long. Think of the related word transition, which refers to a temporary time of change. Transitory and fleeting are synonymous. Use fleeting to describe something that is fading or is expected to fade away fast, but was not necessarily intended to fade away fast (e.g. the fleeting trend). Use transitory to describe something that is only intended to last a short time. Related words that are a little more difficult include evanescent and ephemeral.

Usage Examples:

The football team took an early but transitory lead in the first half of Sunday's game. (temporary, short-lived, fleeting)

According to analysts, the sudden shift in consumer spending will prove to be transitory. (short-term, temporary)

The transient spent the holidays in a homeless shelter. (person who lives temporarily in places) noun

The legendary phenomenon known as the "green flash" is a transitory green glow on the horizon at the moment the sun sets. (momentary, fleeting)


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