What does momentariness mean?
Momentariness is the abstract noun meaning the quality of being brief, fleeting, or impermanent. It is especially appropriate when a short-lived condition, experience, or feeling is being considered for its transience rather than simply for its duration. The word is uncommon and sounds formal, appearing more often in literary criticism, philosophical discussion, and reflective prose than in everyday speech. Its use can lend precision to a contrast: an event may possess beauty partly because of its momentariness, emphasizing both its brevity and the impression it leaves behind. Momentariness is closely related in meaning to temporariness and transience, but it tends to focus more directly on the quality of lasting for only a very short time. The word is formed from momentary with the noun-forming suffix -ness and ultimately derives from the same Latin root as moment and momentum.
nounThe quality or condition of being momentary, especially of lasting only a very short time. It denotes brevity, transience, or impermanence.
- The quality of being momentary or lasting only a very short time.
"The momentariness of the encounter made it all the more memorable."
"The momentariness of the storm passed almost unnoticed."
"Her speech was distinguished by the momentariness of its references and the precision of its conclusions."
A rare plural; the noun is normally used uncountably.
"The artist found beauty in the momentarinesses of passing light."
A moment may vanish before we notice it; momentariness gives that vanishing a name.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does momentariness come from?
Momentariness was formed in English by adding the suffix -ness to momentary, itself derived from moment. English moment came through Old French moment from Latin momentum, a word associated with movement or impulse and derived from movere, “to move.” The English formation follows a productive pattern in which an adjective ending in -ary is converted into an abstract noun with -ness.
How momentariness is actually used
An uncommon, formal, and chiefly literary word. It is more typical of reflective or analytical prose than of ordinary conversation. British and American usage differ little, although the typical stress may vary slightly.