Momentarily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Add to dictionary

momentarily

[ˌmoʊmənˈtɛrəli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

briefly

for a very short time; briefly

Synonyms

briefly, fleetingly, temporarily.

Examples of usage

  • I will be with you momentarily.
  • She paused momentarily before continuing the conversation.
Context #2 | Adverb

soon

in a moment; very soon

Synonyms

presently, shortly, soon.

Examples of usage

  • The bus will arrive momentarily.
  • We will be departing momentarily.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • The concept of a moment is often discussed in philosophy, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.
  • Many philosophers argue that moments are the building blocks of our experiences, highlighting their impermanence.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that our perception of time can stretch or shrink based on emotional experiences, making some moments feel longer or shorter.
  • Momentary feelings, like joy or sadness, can have lasting impacts on our memories, influencing how we recall past experiences.

Pop Culture

  • In music, many songs use the idea of momentary feelings to convey love, regret, or joy, tapping into the human experience of fleeting emotions.
  • The phrase 'momentarily' is often used in movies and TV shows to suggest something will change soon, building suspense.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of a 'moment' relates to a very brief interval, often used in discussions about time and motion.
  • The phenomenon of 'momentary pauses' can be important in scientific experiments, where timing and precision are crucial.

Origin of 'momentarily'

Main points about word origin

  • This word comes from the Latin 'momentarius', which means ‘of a moment’ or ‘temporary’.
  • It gained popularity in English during the 17th century, originally used to describe something brief in time.

The word 'momentarily' comes from the Latin word 'momentarius', meaning 'of a moment'. It entered the English language in the early 19th century, originally used to mean 'lasting for a moment'. Over time, its usage evolved to also mean 'briefly' or 'soon'. The adverb 'momentarily' is widely used in formal and informal contexts to indicate a short duration or imminent occurrence.


See also: momentary, momentous, moments, momentum.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,805, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.