Transient
'trænziənt
Definitions
2 meaningsLasting only for a short time; temporary; fleeting.
'trænziənt
Lasting for a short time only.
The happiness of a child with a new toy is often transient.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a delicious ice cream cone on a hot day. It's amazing, but it melts really fast! That feeling of eating ice cream is a transient experience – it doesn't last long.
👶 For kids: Something that doesn't last very long.
More Examples
The weather in the mountains can be transient, changing rapidly.
The problems of youth are often transient and quickly forgotten.
How It's Used
"The joy of winning a game is often transient."
"Transient electrical impulses are often hard to measure."
A person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time.
'trænziənt
The city provides assistance to transients who are experiencing homelessness.
💡 Simply: Think of someone who's traveling and not staying anywhere for very long, like a guest in a hotel or a person just passing through. They are transient.
👶 For kids: Someone who is traveling or staying somewhere for a little while.
More Examples
The hotel catered to a mix of tourists and business transients.
The homeless transient sought shelter during the severe winter storm.
How It's Used
"The shelter provides aid to homeless transients."
"The novel features a group of transients searching for work."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *transiens*, present participle of *transire* ("to go across, pass over"), from *trans* ("across") + *ire* ("to go"). The word has been in use since the late 16th century.
The word "transient" was initially used in the 16th century to describe something that passed or went over. It's evolved over time to refer to temporary states or people on the move.
Memory tip
Think of a TRAIN that quickly passes (transits), making its stay brief.
Word Origin
"to go across"