What is the correct use of temporal vs temporary?

Question

Can temporal be used in a sentence such as: " your password is only temporal; it will expire in two days"?

I believe that temporary is the correct word in that case, but a friend insists either one is ok. Can you please clarify?

Answer 1

Ok - I'll try to explain this as best I can.

"Temporary" means for a limited time - used as follows: "My situation is only temporary" - meaning that my current situation will come to an end, and things will change.

Temporal deals more with space & time (in my limited knowledge).

However, I did check at Dictionary.com and found the following definitiions of "Temporal":
1 - not eternal
2 - of, or relating to, or limited by time; "temporal processing"; "temporal dimensions"; "temporal and spacial boundaries"; "music is a temporal art"
3 - of this earth or world; "temporal joys"; "our temporal existence" (although in the case of "our temporal existence, we can use the word temporary)

for Temporary, Dictionary.com defines this word as:
1 - lasting, existing, serving, or effective for a time only; not permanent (as in a temporary need, or a temporary job)

In my opinion, you are correct - passwords are only temporary, while life is temporal.

Answer 2

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In a perfect world, I would prefer C - he proposes with the real ring (which, ideally, I have had a say in picking out. I have my own style). But if he didn't feel comfortable choosing something that I have to wear for the rest of my life, then I would be fine with A - he could propose without a ring and later we could go pick one out together. I would never want option B - if we can't afford a ring that we both really like, or if he hasn't had a chance to pick one out yet, I don't want a "fake" or temporary ring. I think that's a false economy - it's cheaper than the "permanent" ring but we'd still be wasting money on something that we know is only temporary. I would rather go without a ring - I definitely don't need one to feel engaged, the proposal (and setting a wedding date) is enough!

Answer 3

Temporal refers to the affairs of of the present life, earthly things. Temporary is something that will last on a short time, and does not necessary have to do with earthly things.

Answer 4

"Temporal" doesn't necessarily refer to life on Earth vs eternal life, that's just one usage. The word refers to time. Have you every watched a science fiction program where they refer to a "temporal anomaly?" This means there's something strange (not normal) happening with regard to time. "Temporary" means for a short time. So you would say, "your password is only TEMPORARY." You are right and your friend is incorrect.