Momentary
easyNeutral toneMOH-mun-ter-ee
adjective
Definition
Lasting for a very short time; brief
Memory hook
It lasts only a MOMENT — momentary means extremely brief.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“There was a momentary pause before she responded.”
“His momentary hesitation cost him the race.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“There was a ______ pause before she responded.”
Show answer
momentary
Categories
GRE Tip
Momentary is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "fleeting" or "transient" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "lasting".
Related GRE Words
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
fugitive
Quick to disappear; fleeting; a person who has escaped
transitory
Not permanent; lasting only for a short time
transient
Lasting only for a short time; temporary
fleeting
Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
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