ENGLISH
REFERENCE

temporarily

adv. time
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌtɛmpɝˈɛɹəɫi// UK //tˌɛmpəɹˈɛɹəli// tem·po·rar·ily General-service

adv. for a short time only. You use this to describe something that is not permanent and will change back later.

adv. for a limited period of time; not permanently.


SIMPLE

The office is temporarily closed for repairs.

CONTEXTUAL

The road is temporarily blocked while workers clear the fallen tree from the path.

COMPLEX

Although the museum is temporarily housed in a smaller building, the full collection will be on display once the main gallery renovation is complete next year.

Antonyms
Origin

From temporary + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of the clause.

© 2026 English Reference