Momentary vs Temporary?

Question

Is there any difference? Which would be better to describe a requirement for 1 or 2 days. Suppose I need to inform my Operations team, that I need a particular requirement to be implemented but I want it only for a day or two? From ODO I get: > [Temporary](http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/temporary): Lasting for only a limited period of time; not permanent. and > [Momentary](http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/momentary): Lasting for a very short time; brief. So both seem to have the same meaning. Which one would be appropriate here. **Statement 1**: My team's requirement for implementing ABC system is temporary. **Statement 2**: My team's requirement for implementing ABC system is momentary.

Answer 1

"Temporary" would be the better word to describe something lasting a day or two. "Temporary refers to something that lasts for only a certain amount of time. That time can be long or short; something can be temporary for a whole year or temporary for a day or two. Since "temporary" can refer to different lengths of time, I would still recommend specifying 1-2 days. "Momentary" refers to something that is fleeting or very brief.

Answer 2

"Temporary" implies for a short time. "Momentary" implies "for the moment" or for an extremely short time.

The speaker paused momentarily before making his next point. (Temporarily is not appropriate here.)

I got a momentary glimpse of the raccoon running across our yard. (Momentary is correct here.)

We will need to suspend work temporarily until we get the proper building permit. (Temporarily here means for a short time. )

The traffic pileup near the highway exit led to a temporary delay.

Note: When something is temporary, it is expected to resume. (The opposite of temporary is permanent.)

Answer 3

You want the word "temporary." Literally, "momentary" means "for a moment," which is not your intent here.

I would add that sometimes, we can get fixated on an either-or question and forget that there could be another answer out there. Perhaps just using "short-term" would work for you, as well.

Best wishes!