Momentary: meaning, definitions and examples

⏳

Add to dictionary

momentary

[ˈməʊmənˌtɛːri ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

temporary

Lasting for a very short time; brief.

Synonyms

fleeting, short-lived, transient, transitory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
momentary	When something happens for a very short duration, often unexpectedly. It's often used to describe brief reactions or feelings. She had a momentary lapse in concentration. His hesitation was momentary.
transient	When something is temporary and not lasting. Frequently used in technical contexts or when speaking about populations or effects. The population of the city is quite transient. He experienced transient chest pain.
fleeting	When something lasts for a very short time and is often associated with emotions, experiences, or phenomena that pass quickly. She caught a fleeting glimpse of the sunset. Their joy was fleeting.
transitory	Refers to something that is temporary and just passing by. Often used in a more formal context. Fame is transitory. They experienced transitory challenges due to the relocation.
short-lived	When something exists or lasts for a brief period, often implying that it was not expected to last long. Their enthusiasm was short-lived. The storm was short-lived but intense.

Examples of usage

a momentary lapse of concentration
a momentary pause

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

ephemeral

Lasting for only a moment; very brief.

Synonyms

evanescent, fleeting, transient, transitory.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
momentary	Used to describe something that lasts for a very short time, often highlighting its brief nature. There was a momentary pause before she answered. The pain was momentary and quickly passed.
evanescent	Used to describe something that is fleeting or vanishes quickly, often with a poetic or romantic tone. The evanescent glow of the sunset left the sky quickly. She captured the evanescent beauty of the moment in her painting.
fleeting	Used to convey something that passes quickly and is short-lived, often implying it is hard to grasp or hold onto. They shared a fleeting glance across the room. His fleeting thoughts were hard to catch and hold.
transient	Used to describe something temporary, often focusing on its short duration, but can also describe people who move frequently. The transient nature of the job made long-term plans difficult. He was just a transient visitor passing through the city.
transitory	Used to describe something temporary, often emphasizing that it is not permanent and will change soon. The transitory phase of adolescence is full of challenges. Their transitory living arrangement was not ideal but necessary for the time being.

Examples of usage

the beauty of a momentary sunset
a momentary feeling of happiness

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Latin 'momentarius', which means 'of a moment', derived from 'momentum', meaning 'movement' or 'change'.
It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, evolving to describe fleeting experiences or events.
The term reflects the transient nature of experiences, emphasizing how quickly moments can pass.

Psychology

Research shows that humans perceive time differently during intense experiences; some moments can feel like they last longer or shorter.
The concept of 'momentary' experiences often relates to mindfulness practices, which encourage awareness of the present.
Some psychologists believe that remembering brief, impactful moments can significantly affect our happiness and well-being.

Pop Culture

In films, 'momentary' situations often create suspense, capturing fleeting emotions that resonate with audiences.
Songs and lyrics often highlight momentary feelings, emphasizing love or happiness that can be here today and gone tomorrow.
The idea of a momentary connection is a popular theme in short stories and poetry, illustrating ephemeral relationships.

Science

In physics, 'momentary' can describe instantaneous velocities, which focus on speeds at a particular snap in time.
Experiments in neuroscience might look at momentary decisions, showing how quickly our brains respond to stimuli.
Momentary electrical signals in the brain play a critical role in memory formation and retrieval.

Literature

Writers often use 'momentary' to contrast fleeting joy with enduring sorrow, deepening the emotional impact on readers.
Poets frequently explore themes of transience, capturing beautiful but brief moments in their verses.
Classic literature often reflects on how momentary choices can change the course of a character’s life.

Translations

Translations of the word "momentary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 momentâneo

🇮🇳 क्षणिक

🇩🇪 momentan

🇮🇩 sesaat

🇺🇦 миттєвий

🇵🇱 chwilowy

🇯🇵 一時的

🇫🇷 momentané

🇪🇸 momentáneo

🇹🇷 anlık

🇰🇷 순간적인

🇸🇦 لحظي

🇨🇿 momentální

🇸🇰 momentálny

🇨🇳 瞬时的

🇸🇮 trenuten

🇮🇸 skammvinnur

🇰🇿 сәттік

🇬🇪 მიმდინარე

🇦🇿 ani

🇲🇽 momentáneo

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,671, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

...
10668 prejudiced
10669 brightly
10670 ridicule
10671 momentary
10672 stumbled
10673 excursion
10674 convection
...