Work and business / B2

TEMPR-uh-ree/ˈtemprəri/

Temporary means not permanent: a temporary contract; temporary accommodation; a temporary classroom. Temporarily is the adverb. Permanent is the opposite; provisional is close for arrangements still being confirmed. Do not call a ten-year post temporary. UK employment: temp work; temporary contracts in the NHS.

Meaning

Lasting for a limited time; not permanent.

Examples

• “Temporary classrooms were still in use two years later.”
• “She accepted a temporary contract while the permanent round was advertised.”

Good to know

a temporary contract / measure / classroom. Adverb: temporarily. Opposite: permanent. Close: provisional. Work: a temp / temporary staff.

Topics

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