adj. Lasting, used, serving, or enjoyed for a limited time. n. pl. tem·po·rar·ies One that serves for a limited time: an office staffed by temporaries. [Latin temporārius, from tempus, tempor-, time.] tem′po·rari·ly adv. tempo·rar′i·ness n. Synonyms: temporary, acting, interim, provisional These adjectives mean assuming the duties of another for the time being: a temporary chairperson; the acting dean; an interim administration; a provisional mayor. Antonym: permanent |
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