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Momentary - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Momentary means lasting for a very short time or occurring briefly. It describes something that happens quickly and is not permanent, like a fleeting thought or a passing feeling.

momentary

/ˈmoʊmənˌtɛri/ /ˈməʊməntri/

Definition:

Lasting for a very short time; brief and fleeting.

Synonyms:

fleeting, transient, ephemeral, passing, brief

Part of Speech:

adjective

Antonyms:

permanent, lasting, enduring

Common Collocations:

momentary lapse, momentary pause, momentary hesitation, momentary relief

Derivatives:

momentarily (adv.), momentariness (n.)

Usage Tips:

Use "momentary" to describe something that happens quickly and doesn’t last long.

Common Phrases:

momentary lapse of reason, momentary bliss, in a momentary flash

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "momentarius," meaning "of a moment," related to "momentum" (movement or brief time).

Examples:

  • 1. She felt a momentary pang of guilt before moving on.
  • 2. The power outage was only momentary and didn’t disrupt much.
  • 3. His hesitation was just momentary before he answered confidently.
  • 4. A momentary smile crossed her face before she frowned again.

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