temporal

Connected with time, including when things happen or how long they last.

• The events have a clear temporal order.
• We studied temporal changes in the data.
• The report examines the temporal relationship between rainfall and flooding.

Common phrases: temporal order, temporal sequence, temporal relationship

Connected with ordinary life, government, or possessions rather than religion or spiritual matters.

• The bishop also held temporal power.
• The king controlled temporal affairs.
• Church leaders disputed the limits of their temporal authority.

Similar words: secular, worldly

Opposites: spiritual, religious

Common phrases: temporal power, temporal authority, temporal affairs

Existing for a limited time, rather than lasting forever.

• They contrasted temporal life with eternal life.
• All temporal things eventually pass away.
• The poem reflects on our temporal existence.

Similar words: transient, impermanent

Opposites: eternal, permanent

Common phrases: temporal existence, temporal life, temporal things

Lasting only a short time.

• The treatment brought only temporal relief.
• They enjoyed a temporal improvement in their living conditions.
• The writer warned against seeking temporal pleasures.

Similar words: temporary, brief, short-lived

Opposites: lasting, permanent

Common phrases: temporal relief, temporal effects, temporal pleasure

Something belonging to ordinary earthly life, such as property, rather than spiritual life.

• The bishop managed the church’s temporals.
• The dispute concerned temporals rather than spiritual teachings.
• Church temporals included land and income.

Similar words: temporality

Common phrases: a temporal, each temporal

One of the small, hard plates on the side of a reptile’s head, behind its eye.

• The snake has one large temporal behind its eye.
• Count the temporals on each side of the head.
• This specimen has a damaged posterior temporal.

Common phrases: anterior temporal, posterior temporal