temporal

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'temporal' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective and is defined as "relating to time, or limited by time". For example: "The temporal effects of the virus have been far-reaching."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this case, the use of non-lethal means (biopsy) has been clearly demonstrated to address temporal and spatial changes in stock structuring, which is an important component of the RMP.

The Guardian

If Crown is correct and parliament backs the reform it will mark the further dilution of the Catholic church's temporal power in the republic.

The Guardian

There are two parallel revolutions taking place on either side of the Irish Sea that will radically alter the relationship between government and non-state institutions that exercise major temporal power.

The Guardian

Storing that information can also be referred to as 'collection' in the temporal sense," Small said.

The Guardian

Mutations in the progranulin (GRN) gene are commonly associated with FTD, which results in damage to the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain.

The Guardian

A closed system of authority in which democracy is a dirty word, secrecy is a virtue and unaccountable individuals combine spiritual prestige and temporal power is a breeding ground for abuse and cover-up.

The Guardian

The church has settled for autonomy: it will run its sphere, and let the state mind the temporal shop.

The Economist

In the late 1800s the neuropathologist Karl Wernicke noted that damage to a specific region, the superior temporal gyrus (STG), also known as Wernicke's area, often resulted in problems comprehending speech a condition he named receptive aphasia.But exactly how the STG perceives speech has proven difficult to discover.

The Economist

By contrast, they found that changes to other structures in the brain, including the orbitofrontal cortex, cerebellum and superior temporal gyrus, were more consistently associated with the disease although not in all children.

The Economist

Nevertheless, a more standard structure is a good test of Mr Mitchell's literary prowess, one that puts the distracting spirals of complex temporal leaps and multiple story lines deliberately out of reach.Mr Mitchell's facility proves as agile as ever.

The Economist

Through much suffering, it is said, is the kingdom of heaven attained; through much suffering, it may also be observed, do nations as well as individuals learn those truths which are necessary to their temporal welfare.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "temporal" when you specifically want to emphasize the relationship to time, especially in contrast to spiritual or eternal matters. For instance, differentiating between "temporal power" and "spiritual authority".

Common error

Avoid using "temporal" when you simply mean something is short-lived. "Temporary" is more appropriate for indicating duration, whereas "temporal" implies a broader connection to time or secularity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "temporal" primarily functions to qualify nouns, indicating a relationship to time, the material world, or secular affairs. As Ludwig AI confirms, "temporal" is correctly used to modify nouns, providing specific contextual information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

31%

Science

31%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "temporal" functions as an adjective denoting a relationship with time, secular matters, or the material world. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news and formal writing indicates its widespread acceptance. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish "temporal" from "temporary" to ensure accurate communication. The frequency analysis reveals that it is "Very common", especially in "News & Media", "Formal & Business" and "Science" contexts. Understanding these nuances will allow you to use "temporal" effectively and appropriately in various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relating to time

Focuses specifically on the aspect of connection or relevance to time.

time-related

A more direct and simple way to denote association with time.

secular

Emphasizes the non-religious or worldly aspect of "temporal".

worldly

Highlights the focus on material or earthly concerns, as opposed to spiritual ones.

non-eternal

Emphasizes the finite or non-permanent nature of something.

transient

Stresses the fleeting or temporary nature of existence.

short-lived

Directly indicates a brief duration or existence.

earthly

Similar to "worldly", but with a stronger connotation of being grounded in the physical world.

fleeting

Focuses on the quick or momentary passage of time.

civil

When "temporal" refers to secular authority, "civil" provides a close alternative.

FAQs

How is "temporal" used in academic writing?

In academic contexts, "temporal" is frequently used to denote relationships to time, especially when analyzing changes or trends over a period or comparing secular and religious perspectives. For example, discussing "temporal patterns" in data.

What's the difference between "temporal" and "temporary"?

"Temporal" refers to time in a general or secular sense, often contrasting with the eternal or spiritual. "Temporary", on the other hand, means lasting for a limited time. While related, they aren't interchangeable; use "temporary measures" for short-term solutions, and "temporal analysis" for time-based studies.

Can "temporal" be used to describe physical things?

Yes, "temporal" can refer to the physical or material world, especially when contrasting it with the spiritual. For instance, discussing the "temporal realm" means focusing on earthly concerns.

What are some alternatives to "temporal" when discussing time?

Depending on the context, you might use terms like "time-related", "chronological", or "time bound". The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing sequence, relevance to time, or limitations in duration.