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temporal

TEM-puh-ruhl /ˈtɛmpərəl/

adjectiveC2GRESATTOEFL

formalliteraryacademic

Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular; also relating to time.

Carries dual meanings: 1) bound by time (ephemeral) as opposed to eternal, and 2) earthly power as opposed to spiritual/divine authority.

The story behind the word. From Latin temporalis ('of time'), derived from tempus ('time'). In classical Latin, it referred to time-limited things. Early Church Latin used it to denote earthly life—which ticks away in time—versus God's timeless eternity.

Word relationships

earthly: 'Earthly' is more evocative and literary; 'temporal' is formal and legal/philosophical.
secular: 'Secular' contrasts with religious institutions; 'temporal' contrasts with timeless, spiritual eternity.

spiritual: 'Spiritual' pertains to the soul and God.
eternal: 'Eternal' means existing outside or beyond time.

Commonly confused with

temporary: 'Temporary' means brief or provisional; 'temporal' means worldly or time-bound.

Word family

temporality (noun): The state of existing in time or being temporal.

Collocations

temporal power
temporal realm
temporal matters
temporal rulers

Example sentences

"The Holy Roman Emperor held temporal authority over territorial armies, while the Pope held spiritual authority over souls." Medieval History
"His sceptre shows the force of temporal power, the attribute to awe and majesty, wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings." Literary Citation (William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice)

Memory hook

TEMP-oral: Subject to the TEMP-ature of time on earth. Earthly power bound by time.

When not to use

Do not confuse with 'temporary' (lasting a short time), though both share a root.

Fun facts

In the UK House of Lords, non-clerical members are called 'Lords Temporal' to distinguish them from bishops, who are 'Lords Spiritual'.