Temporarily: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something happens or lasts for a limited time, often to indicate a change back to a previous state.

• She temporarily moved to another city for work.
• The shop is temporarily closed for renovations.

Used when something happens for a very short amount of time, often implying conciseness or short duration.

• He spoke briefly about his new project.
• The power outage lasted briefly.

Used when something happens for a very short and often barely noticeable amount of time, often implying that it was so quick it might almost be missed.

• She smiled fleetingly and then turned away.
• His presence was felt fleetingly throughout the room.

Used in more formal or academic contexts to indicate something that lasts for a very short and often uncertain period of time. It usually means the same as 'temporarily' but in a more formal way.

• The chemicals only interact transitorily before breaking down.
• His influence was transitorily felt in the early stages of the project.

Used when something is not intended to last for a long period, but just for a short while.

• She moved in with her parents temporarily until she could find a new apartment

Appropriate when discussing temporary plans or arrangements that are expected to last for a brief period.

• This is a short-term solution to a long-term problem

Used when something is arranged or agreed upon for the present but is likely to change later.

• They offered him a provisional contract while they finalized the details of his employment

Suitable when referring to a transitional period between two phases or situations.

• The company appointed an interim CEO until a permanent one was hired