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B2 verb #2,000 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

temporary

Top 2,000

At the A1 level, 'temporary' is a word you use to talk about things that are not forever. Think about a toy you borrow for one day—that is temporary. Or if you stay in a hotel for two nights, your room is a temporary home. It is the opposite of 'always' or 'forever'. You might see this word on signs, like 'Temporary Closed' (though 'Temporarily' is better). It means 'for a short time'. You use it to describe jobs that are only for the summer or a house you live in while yours is being fixed. It is a very useful word to help people understand that a situation will change soon. For example, 'I have a temporary job' means I will stop working there in a few weeks. 'The rain is temporary' means it will stop soon and the sun will come back. It is a simple way to talk about time and how things change.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'temporary' to describe more specific situations in your daily life. You might use it to talk about work, like a 'temporary contract' or a 'temporary worker'. This means the job has a start date and an end date. You can also use it for physical things, like a 'temporary bridge' or 'temporary parking'. It helps you explain that something is a 'quick fix' and not a permanent solution. For instance, if your car breaks down and you use a spare tire, that tire is temporary. You should get a new, permanent tire soon. It is also common in school or office settings. If a teacher is sick, you might have a 'temporary teacher' for one week. Understanding this word helps you manage your time and expectations because you know that the situation is not going to last forever.

At the B1 level, 'temporary' becomes a key word for discussing plans, problems, and professional arrangements. You can use it to describe abstract concepts like 'temporary relief' or 'temporary setbacks'. This shows you understand that emotions and situations can fluctuate. In a business context, you might talk about 'temporary measures' taken by a company to save money. You also start to see the adverb form 'temporarily' more often, such as 'The elevator is temporarily out of order'. You can distinguish between 'temporary' and 'permanent' in more complex sentences. For example, 'While the solution is only temporary, it gives us enough time to find a permanent one.' This level of usage shows you can think about the future and the duration of different events. It is also useful for describing housing situations, like 'temporary accommodation' for refugees or people moving between cities.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'temporary' in a wide range of formal and informal contexts. You understand the nuances between 'temporary', 'provisional', and 'interim'. You can use 'temporary' to discuss complex social issues, such as 'temporary migration' or 'temporary economic shifts'. You are also aware of common collocations like 'temporary insanity' (a legal term) or 'temporary restraining order'. In academic or professional writing, you use 'temporary' to describe hypotheses or models that are used until more data is available. You also understand the psychological impact of 'temporary' situations—how they can provide hope during hard times or cause anxiety due to lack of stability. Your ability to use the word accurately in both its adjective and adverb forms ('temporarily') is well-developed, and you can use it to create sophisticated contrasts in your speaking and writing.

At the C1 level, you use 'temporary' with precision and stylistic flair. You might use it to explore philosophical themes of transience and impermanence in literature or art. You understand how 'temporary' functions in specialized fields like law, where 'temporary injunctions' are critical, or in computer science, where 'temporary storage' and 'temporary variables' are fundamental concepts. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in social dynamics or political climates, such as a 'temporary alignment of interests' between rival parties. You are also adept at using synonyms like 'ephemeral', 'transient', or 'evanescent' to provide more specific meaning or to vary your tone. You can discuss the 'temporary nature of modern employment' and its impact on social structures with ease. Your usage reflects a deep understanding of the word's Latin roots and its evolution in contemporary English.

At the C2 level, 'temporary' is a tool for nuanced expression and sophisticated analysis. You can use it to deconstruct the concept of time and permanence in high-level academic discourse. You might discuss the 'temporary' as a fundamental aspect of the human condition, contrasting it with the 'eternal' in theological or philosophical debates. You are comfortable using the word in highly specialized legal, technical, or scientific contexts where the exact duration and nature of 'temporariness' have significant consequences. You can employ the word ironically or metaphorically to critique social trends, such as the 'temporary permanence' of certain bureaucratic structures. Your mastery allows you to use 'temporary' and its derivatives in complex, multi-layered sentences that convey deep meaning and precise intent. You are also aware of the most obscure idioms and historical usages of the word, allowing you to interpret and produce texts of the highest complexity.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

temporary en 30 secondes

Temporary means lasting for a short time and not intended to be permanent.
It is commonly used for jobs, housing, and short-term solutions to problems.
The word is the opposite of permanent and suggests a change will happen soon.
It can be used as an adjective or an adverb (temporarily) in many contexts.

The word temporary functions primarily as an adjective, though the prompt mentions it as a verb, in standard English usage it describes the quality of being impermanent. At its core, it signifies something that exists for a limited duration. It is the antithesis of 'permanent' or 'eternal'. When we describe a situation as temporary, we are acknowledging that a change is inevitable and expected. This concept is vital in various fields, from employment and housing to emotional states and physical structures.

Core Concept: The essence of 'temporary' is the presence of an expiration date, whether known or unknown. It suggests a bridge between two more stable states.

The rain provided a temporary relief from the scorching summer heat, but the drought continued the next day.

In a philosophical sense, many argue that everything in the human experience is temporary. However, in practical language, we use it to distinguish between long-term commitments and short-term fixes. For instance, a temporary job is one where the contract has a specific end date, whereas a permanent position implies an indefinite tenure. This distinction is crucial for legal and financial planning.

Temporal Scope: It can refer to seconds (a temporary glitch) or years (a temporary government), but the defining factor is the lack of permanence.

We set up a temporary shelter using tarps and ropes until the storm passed.

The word originates from the Latin 'temporarius', meaning 'of time'. This etymology highlights that the word is intrinsically linked to the passage of time and the cycles of change. In modern usage, it often carries a connotation of pragmatism—doing what is necessary for the moment.

Synonym Nuance: While 'short-term' is a synonym, 'temporary' often implies a functional replacement or a state that is waiting for something else to happen.

The doctor prescribed a temporary medication to manage the pain before the surgery.

The loss of power was only temporary, as the backup generators kicked in within seconds.

Ultimately, understanding 'temporary' helps us manage expectations. If a problem is temporary, we find the strength to endure it. If a joy is temporary, we learn to cherish it more deeply. It is a word that defines the transient nature of our world.

They reached a temporary agreement to stop the fighting while peace talks continued.

Using the word temporary correctly involves understanding its placement as an adjective and its role in modifying nouns to indicate a lack of permanence. It most commonly precedes the noun it describes, such as 'temporary measures' or 'temporary housing'. However, it can also follow a linking verb, as in 'The arrangement is temporary'.

Grammatical Placement: Attribute: 'A temporary fix.' Predicative: 'The fix was temporary.'

Due to the renovation, the office moved to a temporary location across the street.

In professional contexts, 'temporary' is often used to describe staffing. A 'temporary worker' or 'temp' is someone hired for a specific project or to cover for an employee on leave. This usage is so common that 'temp' has become a noun and a verb in its own right (e.g., 'She is temping at a law firm').

Professional Context: Used to define contracts, staffing, and interim leadership roles (e.g., temporary CEO).

Don't make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions.

In technical and scientific writing, 'temporary' describes states that are not the equilibrium or the final intended configuration. For example, a 'temporary file' in computing is created to hold information while a file is being made or modified. In engineering, a 'temporary structure' like scaffolding is used to support the construction of the permanent building.

Technical Usage: Refers to transient data, interim supports, or non-persistent configurations.

The bridge was closed for temporary repairs after the inspection revealed cracks.

The city set up temporary barriers to manage the crowd during the parade.

To use 'temporary' effectively, consider the duration. If something lasts for a few minutes, 'fleeting' might be better. If it lasts for a few months but is intended to end, 'temporary' is perfect. It conveys a sense of purpose and planned conclusion.

The athlete suffered a temporary setback but returned to training within a week.

The word temporary is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in news broadcasts, workplace discussions, and casual conversations. In the news, you might hear about 'temporary ceasefires' in conflict zones or 'temporary tax cuts' enacted by governments to stimulate the economy. These contexts emphasize the provisional nature of the actions.

News & Politics: Commonly used for policies, truces, and emergency measures that are not intended to be law forever.

The government announced a temporary ban on imports to protect local farmers.

In the corporate world, human resources departments frequently use the term. You'll see job postings for 'temporary positions' or 'temporary-to-permanent' roles. During meetings, managers might discuss 'temporary solutions' to workflow bottlenecks, signaling that a more robust system is being developed in the background.

Workplace: Refers to staffing, project phases, and interim office arrangements.

The store is closed for temporary inventory counting and will reopen at noon.

In the realm of infrastructure and travel, 'temporary' is a constant companion. Commuters often encounter 'temporary road closures' or 'temporary detours' due to construction. Public transit might offer 'temporary schedules' during holidays or maintenance periods. These uses warn people of a deviation from the norm.

Travel & Infrastructure: Used for detours, bypasses, and short-term changes to public services.

A temporary bridge was built to allow traffic to flow while the main bridge was being replaced.

The patient experienced temporary memory loss following the accident.

Social media and digital platforms also use 'temporary' frequently. 'Temporary stories' on Instagram or Snapchat disappear after 24 hours. 'Temporary passwords' are sent to users who have forgotten their login details. In these cases, 'temporary' is synonymous with 'disposable' or 'one-time use'.

The website issued a temporary access code that expires in ten minutes.

While temporary is a common word, learners often confuse it with other terms that have similar roots or related meanings. One frequent error is confusing 'temporary' with 'contemporary'. While both relate to time, 'contemporary' means 'occurring at the same time' or 'modern', whereas 'temporary' means 'short-lived'.

Temporary vs. Contemporary: Mistake: 'He has a contemporary job.' (Wrong if you mean short-term). Correct: 'He has a temporary job.'

It is a common mistake to use 'temporal' when you mean temporary; 'temporal' refers to time in general or worldly versus spiritual matters.

Another mistake involves the duration implied. Some users use 'temporary' for things that are actually 'fleeting' or 'instantaneous'. If something lasts only a second, 'temporary' might feel too long. Conversely, using 'temporary' for something that lasts ten years (like a 'temporary building' that never gets replaced) can be seen as ironic or technically incorrect, though it happens often in speech.

Misuse of Adverbs: Learners sometimes say 'He is temporary working here.' Correct: 'He is temporarily working here.'

The website is temporarily unavailable due to maintenance.

In writing, avoid using 'temporary' when a more specific word like 'provisional' or 'interim' would be more professional. 'Provisional' suggests it is subject to later confirmation, while 'interim' specifically refers to the time between two events. 'Temporary' is the broad, general term, but in formal reports, specificity is better.

Overuse: Avoid using 'temporary' for every short duration. Try 'brief', 'short-lived', or 'transient' for variety.

The temporary nature of the contract was clearly stated in the first paragraph.

We made a temporary arrangement, but the final decision is still pending.

Finally, ensure you don't use 'temporary' to describe people directly unless you mean their current role. Saying 'He is a temporary person' sounds like a philosophical statement about mortality. Say 'He is a temporary employee' instead.

The company hired temporary staff to help with the holiday rush.

Understanding temporary becomes easier when you compare it to its synonyms. Each synonym carries a slightly different shade of meaning, making them suitable for different contexts. For example, 'transient' is often used for people or physical phenomena that stay in a place for a short time, like 'transient populations' or 'transient light'.

Transient: Implies passing through or staying only a brief time. Often used in sociology or physics.

The joy of the victory was transient, as the team had to prepare for the next match immediately.

'Ephemeral' is a more poetic and academic term. It refers to things that last for a very short time, often only a day. It is frequently used in biology (ephemeral flowers) or to describe the fleeting nature of beauty or fame. 'Temporary' is more functional and less 'delicate' than 'ephemeral'.

Ephemeral: Suggests a very short life cycle. Often used for natural beauty or digital content.

The government issued provisional guidelines while the final law was being drafted.

'Interim' is specifically used for the time between two periods of permanence. An 'interim manager' fills the gap between the old manager leaving and the new one being hired. 'Temporary' could also be used here, but 'interim' sounds more formal and professional in a business setting.

Interim: Specifically denotes the 'meantime'. Used for leadership and government transitions.

She was appointed as the interim director until a permanent replacement could be found.

He caught a fleeting glimpse of the rare bird before it flew away.

By choosing the right synonym, you can convey more precise meaning. 'Temporary' remains the most versatile and widely understood term for anything that isn't permanent, but 'provisional', 'interim', and 'transient' add professional or descriptive depth to your vocabulary.

The temporary nature of life is a recurring theme in many great works of literature.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Informel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

I have a temporary job for the summer.

J'ai un travail temporaire pour l'été.

Adjective modifying the noun 'job'.

This is a temporary home for us.

C'est une maison temporaire pour nous.

Adjective modifying 'home'.

The rain is only temporary.

La pluie n'est que temporaire.

Used after the verb 'is' (predicative).

He has a temporary ID card.

Il a une carte d'identité temporaire.

Adjective modifying 'ID card'.

The shop is closed for a temporary time.

Le magasin est fermé pour un temps temporaire.

Adjective modifying 'time'.

We are in a temporary classroom today.

Nous sommes dans une salle de classe temporaire aujourd'hui.

Adjective modifying 'classroom'.

She needs a temporary place to stay.

Elle a besoin d'un endroit temporaire où loger.

Adjective modifying 'place'.

Is this a temporary fix?

Est-ce une solution temporaire ?

Adjective modifying 'fix'.

The company hired ten temporary workers.

L'entreprise a embauché dix travailleurs temporaires.

Adjective modifying 'workers'.

They set up a temporary bridge over the river.

Ils ont installé un pont temporaire sur la rivière.

Adjective modifying 'bridge'.

I'm using a temporary password for now.

J'utilise un mot de passe temporaire pour l'instant.

Adjective modifying 'password'.

The road is closed for temporary repairs.

La route est fermée pour des réparations temporaires.

Adjective modifying 'repairs'.

She has a temporary permit to drive.

Elle a un permis de conduire temporaire.

Adjective modifying 'permit'.

The museum has a temporary exhibition about space.

Le musée propose une exposition temporaire sur l'espace.

Adjective modifying 'exhibition'.

We made a temporary agreement until Monday.

Nous avons conclu un accord temporaire jusqu'à lundi.

Adjective modifying 'agreement'.

The pain was only temporary after the shot.

La douleur n'était que temporaire après l'injection.

Used as a predicative adjective.

The government introduced temporary measures to control inflation.

Le gouvernement a instauré des mesures temporaires pour contrôler l'inflation.

Adjective modifying 'measures'.

The loss of signal was just a temporary glitch.

La perte de signal n'était qu'un problème temporaire.

Adjective modifying 'glitch'.

They are living in temporary accommodation after the flood.

Ils vivent dans un logement temporaire après l'inondation.

Adjective modifying 'accommodation'.

He felt a temporary sense of relief when he finished the exam.

Il a ressenti un soulagement temporaire en terminant l'examen.

Adjective modifying 'sense of relief'.

The library is in a temporary building during the renovation.

La bibliothèque se trouve dans un bâtiment temporaire pendant la rénovation.

Adjective modifying 'building'.

We need a temporary solution while we wait for the parts.

Nous avons besoin d'une solution temporaire en attendant les pièces.

Adjective modifying 'solution'.

The ban on fishing is only temporary for the breeding season.

L'interdiction de pêcher n'est que temporaire pour la saison de reproduction.

Predicative adjective.

She took a temporary leave of absence from work.

Elle a pris un congé temporaire de son travail.

Adjective modifying 'leave of absence'.

The temporary nature of the contract makes it difficult to get a mortgage.

La nature temporaire du contrat rend difficile l'obtention d'un prêt immobilier.

Adjective modifying 'nature'.

The doctor explained that the side effects were merely temporary.

Le médecin a expliqué que les effets secondaires n'étaient que temporaires.

Predicative adjective.

The ceasefire provided a temporary respite for the civilians.

Le cessez-le-feu a offert un répit temporaire aux civils.

Adjective modifying 'respite'.

We must not let temporary setbacks discourage us from our long-term goals.

Nous ne devons pas laisser des revers temporaires nous décourager de nos objectifs à long terme.

Adjective modifying 'setbacks'.

The city council approved a temporary increase in property taxes.

Le conseil municipal a approuvé une augmentation temporaire des impôts fonciers.

Adjective modifying 'increase'.

The artist uses temporary materials like ice and sand for his sculptures.

L'artiste utilise des matériaux temporaires comme la glace et le sable pour ses sculptures.

Adjective modifying 'materials'.

The software creates temporary files that are deleted after the process ends.

Le logiciel crée des fichiers temporaires qui sont supprimés une fois le processus terminé.

Adjective modifying 'files'.

He was granted temporary custody of the children during the trial.

Il a obtenu la garde temporaire des enfants pendant le procès.

Adjective modifying 'custody'.

The provisional government struggled to maintain order during the temporary transition.

Le gouvernement provisoire a eu du mal à maintenir l'ordre pendant la transition temporaire.

Adjective modifying 'transition'.

The ephemeral beauty of the sunset served as a reminder that all things are temporary.

La beauté éphémère du coucher de soleil rappelait que toutes choses sont temporaires.

Predicative adjective.

The court issued a temporary injunction to halt the construction project.

Le tribunal a rendu une injonction temporaire pour arrêter le projet de construction.

Adjective modifying 'injunction'.

His temporary lapse in judgment led to a series of unfortunate events.

Son manque de jugement temporaire a entraîné une série d'événements malheureux.

Adjective modifying 'lapse'.

The economic boom was largely fueled by temporary factors that soon faded.

L'essor économique a été largement alimenté par des facteurs temporaires qui se sont vite estompés.

Adjective modifying 'factors'.

They reached a temporary compromise that satisfied neither party completely.

Ils sont parvenus à un compromis temporaire qui n'a satisfait pleinement aucune des deux parties.

Adjective modifying 'compromise'.

The temporary suspension of the rules allowed for a more flexible approach.

La suspension temporaire des règles a permis une approche plus flexible.

Adjective modifying 'suspension'.

The patient suffered from temporary amnesia following the traumatic event.

Le patient a souffert d'une amnésie temporaire à la suite de l'événement traumatisant.

Adjective modifying 'amnesia'.

The ontological argument suggests that the material world is inherently temporary and illusory.

L'argument ontologique suggère que le monde matériel est intrinsèquement temporaire et illusoire.

Predicative adjective.

The interim CEO managed to stabilize the firm despite the temporary volatility of the market.

Le PDG par intérim a réussi à stabiliser l'entreprise malgré la volatilité temporaire du marché.

Adjective modifying 'volatility'.

The treaty was seen as a temporary expedient rather than a lasting solution to the conflict.

Le traité était considéré comme un expédient temporaire plutôt que comme une solution durable au conflit.

Adjective modifying 'expedient'.

The transient nature of fame often leads to a sense of profound disillusionment.

La nature passagère de la renommée mène souvent à un sentiment de désillusion profonde.

Synonym 'transient' used to echo the concept of 'temporary'.

The temporary confluence of these diverse interests created a powerful political movement.

La confluence temporaire de ces intérêts divers a créé un mouvement politique puissant.

Adjective modifying 'confluence'.

He argued that the temporary suspension of civil liberties was a necessary evil during the crisis.

Il a soutenu que la suspension temporaire des libertés civiles était un mal nécessaire pendant la crise.

Adjective modifying 'suspension'.

The project’s success was contingent upon a temporary alliance with their main competitors.

Le succès du projet dépendait d'une alliance temporaire avec leurs principaux concurrents.

Adjective modifying 'alliance'.

The temporary aberrations in the data were eventually attributed to equipment failure.

Les aberrations temporaires dans les données ont finalement été attribuées à une défaillance de l'équipement.

Adjective modifying 'aberrations'.

Synonymes

transitory provisional short-term fleeting momentary makeshift

Antonymes

permanent lasting eternal

Collocations courantes

temporary job

temporary solution

temporary housing

temporary measure

temporary relief

temporary arrangement

temporary contract

temporary fix

temporary closure

temporary suspension

Phrases Courantes

temporary stay

temporary worker

temporary base

temporary shelter

temporary staff

temporary password

temporary files

temporary permit

temporary bridge

temporary exhibition

Souvent confondu avec

temporary vs contemporary

temporary vs temporal

temporary vs tentative

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

temporary vs contemporary

Means modern or occurring at the same time.

temporary vs temporal

Relates to time in a general or worldly sense.

temporary vs tentative

Means uncertain or hesitant.

temporary vs transient

Often refers to people or physical phenomena passing through.

temporary vs interim

Specifically the time between two permanent states.

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

temp vs temporize

Don't confuse 'temporary' with the verb 'temporize', which means to avoid making a decision to gain time.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'contemporary' for 'temporary'.
Saying 'The work is temporary closed'.
Confusing 'temporary' with 'temporal'.
Using 'temporary' for things that last a few seconds.
Describing a person as 'temporary'.

Astuces

Use Synonyms

Try using 'interim' for business roles and 'provisional' for official rules to sound more professional.

Adverb Form

Always use 'temporarily' when you are describing how an action is performed, like 'The road is temporarily closed'.

Pronunciation

The 'o' in the middle is often reduced in fast speech, sounding like 'tem-pre-ree'.

Clarity

When describing a 'temporary solution', try to mention what the permanent solution will be to provide context.

Staffing

In a job interview, if you are applying for a temporary role, focus on your ability to learn quickly and contribute immediately.

Data

In computing, 'temp' is the standard abbreviation for temporary folders and files.

Mindset

Reminding yourself that 'this is temporary' can be a powerful way to cope with stress or difficult times.

Contracts

Always check the end date and renewal clauses in a temporary contract to avoid surprises.

Visas

A 'temporary resident visa' allows you to stay in a country for a specific purpose like study or work for a set time.

Home

Temporary fixes like duct tape are great for emergencies, but don't forget to schedule a permanent repair.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

TEMP-orary: Think of a TEMP employee who is only there for a few days.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Impermanence is a key concept in Eastern philosophies.

Refers to the prevalence of temporary, flexible jobs.

Ephemeral content is a major trend in social media.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever had a temporary job that you really liked?"

"Do you think most things in life are temporary?"

"What is a temporary solution you've used for a problem recently?"

"How do you feel about temporary living arrangements?"

"Do you prefer permanent or temporary contracts?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe a temporary situation in your life that taught you something important.

Write about the pros and cons of temporary employment.

Reflect on the idea that 'all beauty is temporary'.

How do you deal with temporary setbacks in your goals?

If you could have a temporary superpower for one day, what would it be?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is an adjective. However, the shortened form 'temp' can be used as a noun to refer to a temporary worker.

The most common opposite is 'permanent'. Other opposites include 'lasting', 'eternal', and 'enduring'.

It is better to say 'I am here temporarily' (using the adverb) or 'I am a temporary employee here'.

Not necessarily. It can provide experience, flexibility, and income while searching for a permanent role.

They are files created by software to store data during a task. They are usually deleted once the task is finished.

There is no fixed time. It can be seconds, days, or even years, as long as it is not intended to be permanent.

It is a legal order issued by a court to protect someone until a full hearing can take place.

It is a neutral word used in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal writing, 'provisional' might be used.

They are very similar. 'Temporary' often implies a replacement or a state waiting for something else, while 'short-term' simply describes duration.

Yes, most psychologists describe emotions as temporary states that change in response to events.