temporality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “temporality” mean?
The state of existing within or relating to time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of existing within or relating to time; the quality of being temporary or time-bound.
In philosophy and social sciences, it refers to the structures and experiences of time as a dimension of human existence, encompassing concepts like past, present, future, duration, and change. In religious contexts, it denotes secular or worldly affairs as opposed to spiritual matters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The word is used in the same academic registers in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of abstraction and intellectualism in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “temporality” in a Sentence
temporality of + NP (the temporality of memory)adj + temporality (human temporality)explore/analyze/examine temporalityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “temporality” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (noun only)
American English
- N/A (noun only)
adverb
British English
- N/A (noun only). The related adverb is 'temporally'.
American English
- N/A (noun only). The related adverb is 'temporally'.
adjective
British English
- N/A (noun only). The related adjective is 'temporal'.
American English
- N/A (noun only). The related adjective is 'temporal'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used; terms like 'timeline', 'schedule', or 'temporary nature' are preferred.
Academic
Frequent in philosophy, sociology, history, literary theory, and anthropology to discuss the nature and experience of time.
Everyday
Extremely rare. An average speaker would not use this word in daily conversation.
Technical
Used in specific technical fields like phenomenology, narratology, and historiography as a precise term for time-related concepts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “temporality”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “temporality”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “temporality”
- Using it as a synonym for 'temporary' (adj). Example mistake: *'The job offer has a sense of temporality.' (Correct: '...has a temporary nature').
- Attempting to use it in informal contexts where it sounds pretentious and unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While related, 'time' is the general, measurable phenomenon. 'Temporality' refers to the abstract quality or state of being within time, and is specifically used in academic discourse to analyze how time is experienced or structured.
Not directly. That sense is covered by 'temporariness'. 'Temporality' is more abstract. However, the concept of impermanence is part of its core meaning (the state of being bound by time, and thus not eternal).
Only if you are studying or reading in advanced humanities or social science fields like philosophy, history, sociology, or literary theory. For general English, it is a very low-priority word.
'Temporariness' refers specifically to the state of lasting for a limited time only (e.g., the temporariness of a contract). 'Temporality' is a broader, more philosophical concept encompassing all aspects of existence in and relationship to time, not just limited duration.
The state of existing within or relating to time.
Temporality is usually formal, academic in register.
Temporality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɛmpəˈralɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɛmpəˈrælədi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common idioms for this specific abstract noun.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'temporal' (related to time) + '-ity' (a state or quality). It's the 'temporal-ity' of things - their quality of being in time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CONTAINER / DIMENSION (we exist 'within' temporality). TIME IS A FLOW (temporality involves progression and change).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'temporality' LEAST likely to be appropriately used?