What does temporal mean?
Temporal is a formal adjective meaning relating to time or to a particular period of time. It is also used for things belonging to the secular or earthly world, especially when contrasted with spiritual, religious, or ecclesiastical matters. In legal and theological writing, temporal can distinguish worldly authority or possessions from other kinds of authority or concern. In medicine and anatomy, it identifies structures at the sides of the head, as in temporal bone and temporal lobe. The word can sometimes imply that something is temporary or limited in duration, but that meaning is not always present. Temporal is more precise and more academic than a general reference to time, making it especially useful in historical, scientific, legal, and philosophical discussion. The related adverb temporally is used when describing the timing or chronological arrangement of events.
adjectiveRelating to time, timing, or a particular period of time; also, in contrast to the spiritual or ecclesiastical, relating to secular affairs.
- Relating to time, timing, or chronological order.
- Lasting for a limited period; transient.
- Secular or earthly, especially as opposed to spiritual or ecclesiastical.
- Of or relating to the sides of the head, especially the temporal bone or temporal lobe.
"The reforms introduced a fundamental shift in the temporal organization of the institution."
"The researchers examined the temporal relationship between rainfall and crop growth."
"In that historical novel, temporal affairs are repeatedly set against the authority of the Church."
Temporal comes from a Latin root meaning “time,” making it a direct link between the calendar, the clock, and the passage of worldly life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temporal come from?
Temporal derives from the Latin temporalis, meaning “of or relating to time,” which was formed from tempus, the Latin word for time. The adjective entered English in the early 16th century and initially focused on relations involving time, before developing its contrastive sense of worldly or secular as opposed to spiritual. Its relatives in French, such as temporel, and Spanish, such as temporal, continue the same Latin inheritance. English derivatives include temporally and temporality, while contemporary and temporary belong to the same broader Latin temporal family.
Related word forms
How temporal is actually used
Temporal is formal and especially common in academic, legal, religious, and medical contexts. Its use for secular affairs is often deliberate, creating a contrast with the spiritual, while its anatomical use is familiar from terms such as temporal bone and temporal lobe.
Easily confused with temporal
Temporal means relating to time or to secular affairs, whereas temporary means lasting for only a short period.