Temporal
'temp(ə)r(ə)l
Definitions
3 meaningsRelating to the material world, as opposed to the spiritual realm; secular or earthly.
'temp(ə)r(ə)l
Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; secular.
The king's temporal authority was challenged by the church.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're talking about things that exist in the 'now' and the real world, not ideas or things you can't touch. Like, going to a restaurant is a temporal activity, but believing in a god is not.
👶 For kids: It means something that has to do with the world and the time we live in, not about ideas or things that we can't see.
More Examples
The company focuses on temporal concerns, not philosophical ones.
He was more interested in the temporal rewards of success than its spiritual value.
How It's Used
"The temporal power of the church."
"Temporal courts deal with secular matters."
Relating to or denoting time.
'temp(ə)r(ə)l
Relating to time; limited by time.
The artist explored temporal themes in her work.
💡 Simply: It's all about time! If something is temporal, it exists or happens within a specific time period, like a temporary job or a short movie.
👶 For kids: It means something that has to do with time, like how long something lasts.
More Examples
The study examined the temporal effects of the drug.
We must consider the temporal aspects of the project.
How It's Used
"Temporal patterns of migration."
"The temporal sequence of events."
Relating to the side of the head behind the eye (temple).
'temp(ə)r(ə)l
Relating to the temples of the head.
The temporal lobe is involved in processing auditory information.
💡 Simply: It's like the area on the side of your head! Think of it as where your head is!
👶 For kids: It means something that has to do with the sides of your head, right by your eyes.
More Examples
A blow to the temporal region can cause serious injury.
The surgeon examined the temporal arteries.
How It's Used
"The temporal lobe of the brain."
"A temporal artery."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *temporalis*, meaning 'of time,' derived from *tempus* 'time'.
In older texts, 'temporal' often referred specifically to the authority or possessions of the church.
Memory tip
Think of 'tempo' – things that happen in time in the real world.
Word Origin
"time"