Temporary vs. Permanent — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 30, 2023
Temporary implies lasting for a limited time, while Permanent means lasting or intended to last indefinitely.
Difference Between Temporary and Permanent
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Temporary and Permanent are terms that signify the duration of something's existence or relevance. Temporary denotes something that has a limited lifespan, and will not last indefinitely. On the other hand, Permanent suggests a sense of permanence, where something is intended to last forever or for an indefinite amount of time.
In many contexts, especially in employment, the term Temporary is used to describe a situation or position that's short-term, possibly with an end date in sight. Conversely, Permanent positions often come with long-term commitments, benefits, and a sense of job security.
When considering objects or materials, those labeled as Temporary are not expected to last long and might be more susceptible to wear and tear. In contrast, Permanent materials are built to withstand external factors and time, promising longevity.
Another perspective is how we approach decisions. Temporary solutions often address immediate concerns without necessarily considering long-term implications. Meanwhile, Permanent solutions typically involve more planning and are meant to address an issue for the long run.
Both Temporary and Permanent have profound implications in various fields like art, law, technology, and psychology. For instance, Temporary art installations might be there for an event and taken down afterward, while Permanent exhibits become mainstays of a museum.
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Comparison Chart
Duration
Limited time span.
Indefinite or forever.
Job Positions
Often short-term, possibly with an end date.
Long-term with job security.
Material Durability
Susceptible to wear and tear.
Built to withstand time and external factors.
Solutions
Address immediate concerns.
Address long-term implications.
Art Installations
For events and taken down afterward.
Mainstays in museums.
Compare with Definitions
Temporary
Existing in a situation for a short duration.
They stayed in a Temporary housing facility.
Permanent
Fixed and unchangeable.
The damage to the sculpture was Permanent.
Temporary
Lasting for a limited period of time.
The relief from the pain was only Temporary.
Permanent
Not subject to change.
The ink left a Permanent mark on the fabric.
Temporary
Not permanent.
She took a Temporary job until she found something stable.
Permanent
Long-lasting or non-fading.
She got a Permanent tattoo on her arm.
Temporary
Serving for the time being.
The company hired a Temporary replacement.
Permanent
Remaining without essential change.
Their bond was Permanent, standing the test of time.
Temporary
Lasting, used, serving, or enjoyed for a limited time.
Permanent
Lasting or remaining without essential change
"the universal human yearning for something permanent, enduring, without shadow of change" (Willa Cather).
Temporary
One that serves for a limited time
An office staffed by temporaries.
Permanent
Not expected to change in status, condition, or place
A permanent address.
Permanent secretary to the president.
Temporary
Not permanent; existing only for a period or periods of time.
Sally was put in temporary charge of the department while they searched for a full-time replacement.
Permanent
Any of several long-lasting hair styles usually achieved by chemical applications that straighten, curl, or wave the hair.
Temporary
Existing only for a short time or short times; transient, ephemeral.
Permanent
Without end, eternal.
Nothing in this world is truly permanent.
Temporary
One serving for a limited time; short-term employee.
Permanent
Lasting for an indefinitely long time.
The countries are now locked in a permanent state of conflict.
Temporary
(programming) A short-term variable used to store an intermediate result.
Permanent
A chemical hair treatment imparting or removing curliness, whose effects typically last for a period of weeks; a perm.
Temporary
Lasting for a time only; existing or continuing for a limited time; not permanent; as, the patient has obtained temporary relief.
Temporary government of the city.
Permanent
Given an matrix , the sum over all permutations of .
Temporary
Not permanent; not lasting;
Politics is an impermanent factor of life
Impermanent palm cottages
A temperary arrangement
Temporary housing
Permanent
(trading card games) A card whose effects persist beyond the turn on which it is played.
Temporary
Lacking continuity or regularity;
An irregular worker
Employed on a temporary basis
Permanent
To perm (the hair).
Temporary
Subject to change or termination.
The Temporary truce ended abruptly.
Permanent
Continuing in the same state, or without any change that destroys form or character; remaining unaltered or unremoved; abiding; durable; fixed; stable; lasting; as, a permanent impression.
Eternity stands permanent and fixed.
Permanent
A series of waves in the hair made by applying heat and chemicals
Permanent
Continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place;
Permanent secretary to the president
Permanent address
Literature of permanent value
Permanent
Not capable of being reversed or returned to the original condition;
Permanent brain damage
Permanent
Lasting or intended to last indefinitely.
He got a Permanent position at the company.
Common Curiosities
Is a Permanent marker erasable?
Typically, a Permanent marker is not easily erasable.
Which implies a shorter duration: Temporary or Permanent?
Temporary implies a shorter duration.
Are Temporary employees entitled to benefits like Permanent employees?
Temporary employees might not always receive the same benefits as Permanent employees, but this varies by employer.
Does Permanent mean forever?
Permanent often means lasting indefinitely, which can be akin to "forever."
Can a Temporary solution become Permanent?
Yes, sometimes Temporary solutions can evolve into Permanent ones based on outcomes and needs.
Can something Permanent change over time?
While Permanent implies lasting and unchangeable, unforeseen circumstances can sometimes bring about change.
Why might someone prefer a Temporary position over a Permanent one?
Some prefer Temporary positions for flexibility, specific experiences, or while searching for a Permanent role.
Is a Permanent tattoo removable?
While termed Permanent, tattoos can sometimes be removed or faded through specific procedures, but it's often challenging.
In legal terms, is a Temporary injunction the same as a Permanent one?
No, a Temporary injunction is provisional, while a Permanent injunction lasts indefinitely unless changed by the court.
What's the opposite of Temporary?
The opposite of Temporary is Permanent.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
