Define transitory Meaning and Definition
Define transitory
Pronunciation
/ˈtrænzɪtɔri/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
(noun) A person or thing that is only present for a short time; (adjective) lasting or existing only briefly; (adjective) liable to change or disappear quickly.
Examples
- The band was a transitory stop in the city’s music scene.
- The project is transitory, and will be completed soon.
- The transitory nature of fame can be a cruel reality for celebrities.
Synonyms
- Momentary
- Temporary
- Fleeting
Antonyms
- Permanent
- Continuous
- Lasting
Etymology
The word ‘transitory’ comes from the Latin ‘transitari’, meaning ‘to pass over’, which is derived from ‘transitum’, meaning ‘a passage’.
Usage Notes
The word ‘transitory’ can be used both as a noun and an adjective, with slightly different meanings. As a noun, it refers to a person or thing that is only present for a short time. As an adjective, it can describe something that lasts or exists briefly, or something that is liable to change or disappear quickly.
Cultural References
The concept of transitoriness is explored in various works of literature, such as Shakespeare’s “Hamlet”, where the protagonist’s transitory nature is a recurring theme.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Here today, gone tomorrow”
- “A fleeting moment”
- “A short-lived phenomenon”
Related Words or Phrases
- Ephemeral
- Morish
- Momentary
- Temporary
Collocations
- “A transitory feeling”
- “A transitory experience”
- “A transitory phase”
Frequency of Use
The word ‘transitory’ is not as commonly used in modern language as some other words, but it is still found in various contexts, particularly in literary and poetic writings.
Common Misspellings
The most common misspelling of ‘transitory’ is ‘transitory’ itself, often due to a lack of attention to the double ‘i’.
Additional Information
The concept of transitoriness is often explored in philosophy, particularly in the works of ancient Greek philosophers such as Heraclitus and Immanuel Kant, who discussed the fleeting nature of reality and knowledge. The idea of transitoriness is also relevant to contemporary discussions about the nature of existence, memory, and identity.
In psychology, transitoriness is often associated with the concept of nostalgia, where people often romanticize past experiences and relationships that are no longer present. The theory of transitoriness can also be linked to the idea of impermanence, which is a fundamental concept in Buddhist philosophy and is believed to be a key factor in achieving spiritual enlightenment.