temporal

Definitions

tempor ('time') + -al ('relating to') = 'relating to time.' That is the plain sense (temporal order). Medieval theology then added a second: set against the eternal (God, the soul), whatever is bound by time is of this passing, earthly world — hence 'temporal power' = worldly, secular authority.

Why It Means This

Temporal carries two meanings that both flow from Latin tempus ('time'). The first is literal: relating to time and the sequence of events. The second was forged by medieval theologians, who divided reality into the eternal and the temporal — whatever exists within time, that is, the physical, earthly world. From that split came 'temporal power' (a king's worldly rule) versus 'spiritual power' (the Church's). One word holds both 'of time' and 'of this world.' (The temporal lobe and temporal bone of the skull are a separate word, named for the temples of the head.)

Common Collocations

• 1.temporal order时间顺序
• 2.temporal sequence时序
• 3.temporal power世俗权力
• 4.temporal lobe颞叶
• 5.spatial and temporal空间与时间的

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The film plays with temporal order, jumping between past and present.

• 2.

  Researchers studied the temporal patterns of bird migration.

• 3.

  In medieval Europe, kings held temporal power while the Church held spiritual authority.

• 4.

  He cared little for temporal possessions, devoting himself to prayer.

Easily Confused

temporal vs. temporary: temporal = relating to time or to the worldly (temporal order, temporal power); temporary = lasting only a short time (a temporary fix). They share the root but are not interchangeable — temporal never means 'short-lived.'