How to pronounce temporal
Say it like TEM-puh-rul. Temporal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM).
- TEM
- puh
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Temporal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of temporal
American and British speakers say temporal in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛmpərəl/ in the US and /ˈtɛmpərəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: TEM-puh-rul.
What does temporal mean?
- Of or relating to the material world, as opposed to sacred or clerical.“temporal power, temporal courts”
- Of limited time, transient, passing, not perpetual, as opposed to eternal.
- Lasting for a short time only.
- Anything temporal or secular; a temporality.
- Of or situated in the temples of the head or the sides of the skull behind the orbits.
Where does temporal come from?
From Middle English temporal, temporel (“transitory, worldly, material, of secular society”), from Old French temporel or Latin temporālis (“of time (in grammar), temporary, relating to time as opposed to eternity”), from tempus (“time, per
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- secular
- lay
- civil
- worldly
- chronological
- temporal role
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying temporal
How do you pronounce temporal?
Say TEM-puh-rul. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛmpərəl/. In British English it is /ˈtɛmpərəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in temporal?
Temporal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM). Broken into parts: TEM · puh · rul.
Do Americans and Brits say temporal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛmpərəl/ and the British form is /ˈtɛmpərəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.