transitory quality

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "transitory quality" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a characteristic or feature that is temporary or not lasting. Example: "The transitory quality of the fashion trends makes it difficult to invest in timeless pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The artist recognizes and exploits the transitory quality of that experience.

The New York Times

All three exhibitions, and the art in them, have a transitory quality, both in their subjects and their presentation.

The New York Times - Arts

Lasch saw the echo of such qualities in "the fascination with fame and celebrity, the fear of competition, the inability to suspend disbelief, the shallowness and transitory quality of personal relations, the horror of death".

The New York Times - Books

Two thousand years of severe foreign masters, barbarian invasions, rapacious conquers, wicked princes, cholera, and earthquakes have given Rumanians a superb sense of the temporary and transitory quality of everything.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the eve of World War II, journalist Rosa Goldschmidt Waldeck (Countess Waldeck) described her strongest impression of the Romanians: Two thousand years of severe foreign masters, barbarian invasions, rapacious conquers, wicked princes, cholera, and earthquakes have given Rumanians a superb sense of the temporary and transitory quality of everything.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And the grid does have an emotional character, serving as a metaphor for human thought as well as activity; for the impressive yet transitory quality of industry; for the growth and decline of its sprawl and machinery.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Some of the soft, transitory qualities in the paintings are effectively explored in a large number of appealing, ephemeral watercolors that continue to test the play between description, on the one hand, and passages of pure, light-saturated color on the other.

The New York Times

Some later architectural theorists have become so concerned with the rapid obsolescence of modern buildings that they have envisaged edifices that express the temporary nature of these transitory qualities and are therefore built in such a way as to enable the structures themselves to be discarded completely after a few years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After this transitory period, the full quality is achieved again.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Yet these qualities are transitory.

Huffington Post

The enigmatic star of sex, lies and videotape; the film of JG Ballard's Crash; and the disturbing Secretary – who is currently holding American audiences spellbound as the ruthless star of the violent thriller series The Blacklist – has called for more honesty about the transitory impact of even top-quality film entertainment.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts like emotions or trends, using "transitory quality" can effectively convey their impermanence. For example, "The transitory quality of fame can be both exhilarating and daunting."

Common error

Avoid using "transitory quality" when you mean something that is in a state of transition. "Transitory" refers to something that doesn't last, while "transitional" refers to something that is changing from one state to another.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "transitory quality" functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun to indicate that it possesses a temporary or non-lasting characteristic. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "transitory quality" effectively conveys the idea of something being temporary or not lasting. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability in written English, supported by examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. While not extremely common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts, particularly when discussing abstract concepts or fleeting characteristics. Remember to distinguish it from "transitional quality", which describes something in a state of change rather than impermanence. Alternatives such as "fleeting characteristic" or "temporary attribute" can be used for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting characteristic

Focuses on the characteristic being short-lived or quickly disappearing.

temporary attribute

Highlights the attribute as not permanent or lasting.

ephemeral nature

Emphasizes the brief and delicate existence of something.

passing aspect

Underscores the idea that the aspect is not enduring.

transient property

Highlights the property's characteristic of being temporary or not permanent.

short-lived feature

Focuses on the feature being brief in its existence.

impermanent trait

Highlights the trait as not lasting or permanent.

temporal dimension

Shifts the focus to the aspect of time and its influence on the subject.

unstable character

Emphasizes the lack of stability and permanence.

mutable quality

Highlights the ability of the quality to change or be altered.

FAQs

How can I use "transitory quality" in a sentence?

You can use "transitory quality" to describe anything that is temporary or doesn't last long. For example, "The "transitory quality" of youth makes it precious".

What is an alternative to the phrase "transitory quality"?

Alternatives include "fleeting characteristic", "temporary attribute", or "ephemeral nature". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does "transitory" mean?

"Transitory" means not permanent or lasting; brief or temporary. Therefore, the phrase "transitory quality" refers to a characteristic that is temporary.

Is it appropriate to use "transitory quality" in formal writing?

Yes, "transitory quality" is appropriate for formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and appears in respected publications like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.