What does transitory mean?

The term "transitory" refers to something that is temporary or short-lived. It indicates that a particular state or condition will not last for a long time and is often subject to change or cessation. In various contexts such as economics or everyday situations, a transitory situation might reflect something that is expected to pass or evolve within a brief period.

For instance, when discussing economic trends, a transitory inflation rate would suggest that any increases are expected to be brief and not a long-term trend. This is in sharp contrast to the other terms listed, which imply permanence or long-lasting characteristics. Therefore, the choice that defines transitory most accurately aligns with the idea of something being short-lived.