temporal
/ˈtɛm.pəɹ.əl/
Group 19Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; relating to time GRE
Example in Context
The philosopher drew a sharp distinction between temporal power, which fades with circumstance, and moral authority, which endures.
Synonyms
time-relatedearthlyworldly
Etymology
Relating to time as opposed to spiritual or eternal matters.
- tempus (Latin) — time
Memory Aid
⏳Sounds like “temporal”
A 'TEMPORAL' wizard counting minutes on a giant hourglass while juggling TIME!
Visual Association
🕰️A wizard frantically juggling clocks and hourglasses, trying to control the flow of time.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “temporal” mean on the GRE?
temporal (adjective) means “Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; relating to time”. The philosopher drew a sharp distinction between temporal power, which fades with circumstance, and moral authority, which endures.
How to remember “temporal” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “temporal” sounds like “temporal”. A 'TEMPORAL' wizard counting minutes on a giant hourglass while juggling TIME!
What are synonyms for “temporal”?
Common synonyms: time-related, earthly, worldly.