What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
impermanent
Example
The sandcastle was impermanent and washed away with the tide. [impermanent: adjective]
Example
The beauty of cherry blossoms is impermanent, lasting only a few weeks each year. [impermanent: adjective]
temporary
Example
I'm staying in a temporary apartment until I find a permanent one. [temporary: adjective]
Example
The company hired temporary workers to help with the busy season. [temporary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Temporary is more commonly used than impermanent in everyday language. Temporary is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while impermanent is less common and often used to describe natural phenomena or abstract concepts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between impermanent and temporary?
Both temporary and impermanent are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
