Temporal: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in academic or formal contexts to refer to things related to time or the material world, as opposed to the spiritual or eternal.

• The study focused on the temporal aspects of human behavior.
• In many cultures, temporal power is distinguished from spiritual authority.

Used more casually or generally to describe anything connected to or involving time.

• Time-related stress can affect your health.
• They discussed several time-related topics during the meeting.

Used when describing something that is not permanent, often for a short duration.

• She found a temporary job for the summer.
• The bridge was closed due to temporary maintenance.

Used to describe something that is fleeting or short-lived, often with a slightly formal or literary tone. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation when referring to people or situations.

• The transient nature of beauty is often highlighted in literature.
• The city had a transient population of seasonal workers.

Refers to the anatomical part of the skull relating to the temporal bone. Can be used in medical or biological discussions.

• The temporal region of the skull is particularly vulnerable during impact

Specifically used in medical, anatomical, or scientific contexts to refer to the bone in the skull located near the lower sides of the head and near the ears.

• The temporal bone houses the structures of the inner ear

Informal or layman's term for the bone located on the side of the skull. Used in everyday conversation to refer to this part of the anatomy.

• She hit the side skull bone when she fell