WorldAugust 12, 2026

temporal

TEM-puh-ruhl

Definition

Relating to or limited by time; specifically concerning the duration, passage, or sequence of events.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'temporalis,' meaning 'of time,' which itself comes from 'tempus,' meaning 'time' or 'season.' It entered Middle English through the Old French 'temporel.'

In the news

The article uses the word to distinguish between the 'temporal extension' of the state of exception (how long it lasts) and the fundamental, structural transformation of political power itself.

AI Can Now Manufacture the Public That Constitutions Take for Granted

Read the full article ↗

Jurist.org

Related words

absolutism

A form of government or political system in which total, unchecked power is vested in a…

World

anonymization

The process of removing personally identifiable information from datasets so that the…

World

colonizes

To settle in, infiltrate, or take over an area or domain, often gradually spreading into…

World

commandeering

The act of federal authorities compelling state or local governments to implement,…

World

counterintelligence

The practice of gathering information and conducting activities to prevent a hostile…

World

crossbench

Referring to a member of a legislative body, such as the UK House of Lords, who is not…

World

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.