What does transitory mean?
Transitory means lasting for only a short time. It describes anything whose existence, condition, or effect is temporary, such as a brief rain shower, a passing discomfort, or legislation intended to remain in force for a limited period. The word often suggests that a situation is not merely short in duration but also destined to pass or be replaced. This distinguishes it slightly from transient, which particularly emphasizes something that occurs or exists very briefly. Transitory is more common in formal writing than in casual conversation, where temporary is normally preferred. Although it may sound austere, it conveys precision and can lend weight to statements about impermanence, change, and the fleeting nature of experience. Its Latin ancestry also connects it with ideas of passage and movement.
adjectiveExisting or lasting only for a short time; temporary or brief.
- Lasting only for a short time; temporary or brief.
"The transitory discomfort of the cold morning soon gave way to warm sunshine."
"Rain may be welcome, but it can also be a transitory inconvenience."
"The committee described the emergency measure as transitory rather than permanent."
Transitory contains a tiny journey: its Latin roots mean “to go across,” a fitting foundation for something that soon passes by.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does transitory come from?
Transitory entered English in the early 17th century from Medieval Latin transitōrius, a word based on Latin transire, meaning “to pass across” or “to go over.” The Latin element trans- means “across,” while ire means “to go.” Related English words such as transit, transient, transition, and transitive preserve the same history of passage or movement.
Related word forms
How transitory is actually used
Transitory is formal and somewhat literary, and it may sound technical in legal, scientific, or philosophical contexts. In everyday speech, temporary is usually more natural.
Easily confused with transitory
Both describe something temporary, but transitory more commonly emphasizes that something lasts only briefly, while transient often refers to something that passes away quickly or exists only momentarily.