transitory

/ˈtɹæn.sɪ.t(ə)ɹɪ/

Group 19Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Not permanent; temporary
GRE

Example in Context

The economic benefits of the stimulus proved transitory, fading within months as the underlying structural weaknesses reasserted themselves.

Synonyms

passingtemporaryfleeting

Etymology

Going across quickly; not permanent.

  • trans- (Latin) — across
  • it (Latin) — go

Memory Aid

🦋Sounds like “transitory

A 'TRANSITORY' butterfly FLITTING by, whispering to flowers, 'Don’t get too attached to me!'

Visual Association

🌬️A beautiful butterfly dancing through a field of flowers, leaving a trail of fleeting beauty.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “transitory” mean on the GRE?

transitory (adjective) means “Not permanent; temporary”. The economic benefits of the stimulus proved transitory, fading within months as the underlying structural weaknesses reasserted themselves.

How to remember “transitory” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “transitory” sounds like “transitory”. A 'TRANSITORY' butterfly FLITTING by, whispering to flowers, 'Don’t get too attached to me!'

What are synonyms for “transitory”?

Common synonyms: passing, temporary, fleeting.