Temporary vs. Temporarily — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
"Temporary" is an adjective describing something not permanent, whereas "Temporarily" is an adverb meaning for a limited time.
Difference Between Temporary and Temporarily
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Temporary" is an adjective used to describe something that is not intended to last for a long time. It implies a condition or state that is transient or short-lived. On the other hand, "Temporarily" is an adverb modifying verbs to indicate that an action or state is occurring for a limited duration. Both words share the root concept of limited time but are used in different grammatical contexts.
When using "temporary," it typically qualifies nouns. For example, "a temporary job" suggests that the job is not permanent. In contrast, "Temporarily" modifies verbs or adjectives, suggesting the action is for a limited period. For instance, "He is temporarily residing in London" indicates that his stay in London is not permanent.
The word "Temporary" often describes objects, situations, or roles that are intended to be replaced or are awaiting a more permanent solution. Conversely, "Temporarily" is used to describe the temporary nature of actions, conditions, or states, indicating a change from the norm that is not intended to last indefinitely.
"Temporary" is often used in contexts where the impermanence is the focus, such as "temporary relief" or "temporary accommodation." In contrast, "Temporarily" emphasizes the duration of the action or state, as in "The store is temporarily closed for renovation."
In summary, while "Temporary" and "Temporarily" both deal with the concept of limited time, "Temporary" is an adjective describing nouns, whereas "Temporarily" is an adverb modifying verbs or adjectives, each serving distinct grammatical functions.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Adverb
Usage
Describes nouns
Modifies verbs/adjectives
Focus
Describes state or object
Describes duration or manner of action
Example Sentence
"She took a temporary position at the firm."
"He temporarily moved to a new office."
Implication
Indicates something is not permanent
Indicates an action/state is for a limited time
Compare with Definitions
Temporary
Not permanent; provisional.
She held a temporary job.
Temporarily
In a non-permanent way.
The store is temporarily shut.
Temporary
For a short duration.
They lived in temporary housing.
Temporarily
For a limited period.
The road was temporarily closed.
Temporary
Serving in a position for a time.
He was the temporary chairman.
Temporarily
In a provisional manner.
She temporarily led the team.
Temporary
Intended to be replaced.
The museum had a temporary exhibit.
Temporarily
For the time being.
He is temporarily out of town.
Temporary
Lasting, used, serving, or enjoyed for a limited time.
Temporarily
In a transient manner.
Temporarily, she assumed the role.
Temporary
One that serves for a limited time
An office staffed by temporaries.
Temporarily
Lasting, used, serving, or enjoyed for a limited time.
Temporary
Not permanent; existing only for a period or periods of time.
Sally was put in temporary charge of the department while they searched for a full-time replacement.
Temporarily
One that serves for a limited time
An office staffed by temporaries.
Temporary
Existing only for a short time or short times; transient, ephemeral.
Temporarily
For a limited period of time; not permanently.
Temporary
One serving for a limited time; short-term employee.
Temporarily
In a temporary manner; for a time.
Temporary
(programming) A short-term variable used to store an intermediate result.
Temporarily
For a limited time only; not permanently;
He will work here temporarily
He was brought out of retirement temporarily
A power failure temporarily darkened the town
Temporary
Lasting for a time only; existing or continuing for a limited time; not permanent; as, the patient has obtained temporary relief.
Temporary government of the city.
Temporary
Not permanent; not lasting;
Politics is an impermanent factor of life
Impermanent palm cottages
A temperary arrangement
Temporary housing
Temporary
Lacking continuity or regularity;
An irregular worker
Employed on a temporary basis
Temporary
Lasting for only a limited period.
The workers erected a temporary shelter.
Common Curiosities
Can "Temporarily" be used to describe nouns?
No, "Temporarily" is an adverb and modifies verbs or adjectives, not nouns.
Can "Temporarily" indicate a permanent change?
No, "Temporarily" indicates a change or condition that is intended for a limited time.
Is "Temporary" used for describing actions?
No, "Temporary" describes nouns, not actions.
Can "Temporarily" be used at the start of a sentence?
Yes, "Temporarily" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to modify the verb.
Is "Temporary" an adjective?
Yes, "Temporary" is an adjective.
What does "Temporary" imply?
"Temporary" implies a state or condition that is not intended to be permanent.
Is "Temporary" used to describe duration?
No, "Temporary" describes the nature of nouns, not duration.
Does "Temporarily" have a noun form?
No, "Temporarily" is strictly an adverb.
Can "Temporary" and "Temporarily" be used interchangeably?
No, they serve different grammatical functions and are not interchangeable.
Is "Temporary" used for permanent solutions?
No, "Temporary" implies a solution or state is not permanent.
Can "Temporary" modify verbs?
No, "Temporary" is an adjective and does not modify verbs.
What part of speech is "Temporarily"?
"Temporarily" is an adverb.
Is "Temporarily" ever used to describe a permanent state?
No, "Temporarily" always implies a limited, non-permanent state or action.
Does "Temporarily" imply a future change?
Yes, it implies that the current state or action is not permanent and will change.
Can "Temporary" be used as an adverb?
No, "Temporary" is an adjective and does not function as an adverb.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
