Transitory
mediumNeutral toneTRAN-sih-tor-ee
adjective
Definition
Not permanent; lasting only for a short time
Memory hook
TRANSIT-ory: like passengers in transit, they're just passing through and won't stay long.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“Fame in the entertainment industry is often transitory.”
“The pain was transitory and soon passed.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“Fame in the entertainment industry is often ______.”
Show answer
transitory
Categories
GRE Tip
Transitory is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "ephemeral" or "fleeting" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "permanent".
Related GRE Words
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
fugitive
Quick to disappear; fleeting; a person who has escaped
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
momentary
Lasting for a very short time; brief
transient
Lasting only for a short time; temporary
fleeting
Lasting for a very short time; passing quickly
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