adjective

transitory

TRAN-zuh-tor-ee/ˈtrænzətɔːri/

Lasting only a short time.

A snow crystal's beauty is transitory as it melts on a warm palm.

Snow crystal melts quickly on warm palm.

Etymology

transLatinacross, beyond

+itLatinto go

+oryLatinrelating to

Going across also suggests passing through or away rather than remaining. The sense of passing without continuing gives transitory its meaning of lasting only a short time.

In context

FRONTLINE PBS | Official89:00

I think the word transitory has different meanings to different people to many it carries a time a sense of uh of short-lived

Age of Easy Money (full documentary) | FRONTLINE

More examples

The medication causes transitory dizziness that fades within minutes.
Their relief is transitory; another problem soon demands attention.
The construction creates only a transitory disruption to bus service.

Forms

transitory

transience noun — The state of lasting only briefly.

Similar words

temporary: Temporary emphasizes limited duration, often until something replaces it.
fleeting: Fleeting suggests something passes especially quickly, like a feeling.