temporal
TEM-puh-ruhl
/ˈtɛmpərəl/
Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular; relating to time.
In philosophy, it distinguishes things that exist in time from things that are eternal.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'temporalis', meaning 'of time'. It has two main branches in English: one relating to the 'temples' of the head and one relating to 'time'.
Word relationships
- secular: Secular specifically means non-religious; temporal means related to time/the world.
- eternal: Eternal means existing outside of or beyond time.
Commonly confused with
- temporary: Temporary means lasting for a short time; temporal means relating to the concept of time itself.
Word family
- temporality (noun): the state of existing within or having some relationship with time.
Collocations
- temporal power
- temporal sequence
- temporal resolution
Example sentences
- "The temporal lobes of the brain are involved in processing sensory input and deriving meaning." Neuroscience
- "To tell of deeds above heroic, though in secret done, and unrecorded left through many an age, worthy t' have not remained so long unsung... in temporal things." Epic Poetry
Memory hook
Think of 'Tempo' in music. Tempo is the speed of time in a song. Tempo = Time.
When not to use
Don't use 'temporal' when you just mean 'temporary'.
Fun facts
- In grammar, 'temporal' clauses are those that start with words like 'when', 'while', or 'before'.
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