Words / B2

TEMPR-uh-r-uh-lee/ˈtemprərəli/

Temporarily means for a limited time: temporarily closed; temporarily unavailable. Temporary is the adjective. Permanently is the opposite. Briefly can be even shorter. Do not use temporarily for a change that is clearly permanent. UK notices: footpath temporarily closed.

Meaning

For a limited time only; not permanently.

Examples

• “The ward was temporarily closed after the outbreak.”
• “Files are temporarily unavailable during the overnight backup.”

Good to know

temporarily + adjective/verb. Adjective: temporary. Opposite: permanently. Shorter: briefly. Notices: temporarily closed.

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