momentary
gb/mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi/ us/mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi/
B2
English
~ 5700
pillanatnyi, pillanatműködésű, monostabil, pillanatkapcsoló
B2
1
pillanatnyi
B1
Usage pattern:
a momentary [noun]
After a momentary silence, the room filled with laughter again.
Egy pillanatnyi csend után a termet ismét nevetés töltötte be.
She felt a momentary fear as the lights went out.
Pillanatnyi félelmet érzett, amikor kialudtak a fények.
There was a momentary delay while the computer restarted.
His momentary lapse in concentration cost him the game.
The pain was only momentary and quickly disappeared.
Learner examples
There was a momentary stop in the music.
Pillanatnyi szünet volt a zenében.
I had a momentary feeling of sadness.
Pillanatnyi szomorúságot éreztem.
We felt a momentary shake in the plane.
Her anger was momentary and then she smiled.
The screen showed a momentary flash of light.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "momentary" with "momentous". "Momentary" means lasting for a very short time, while "momentous" means very important or significant. For example, "a momentary problem" is a short, brief problem, but "a momentous decision" is a very important decision.
Meaning
lasting for a very short time
Collocations
momentary lapse
|momentary delay
|momentary pause
|momentary panic
|momentary confusion
|momentary loss of control
Synonyms
brief (Neutral and very common; does not stress how extremely short the time is as strongly as 'momentary'.)
|
fleeting (Suggests something that passes almost too quickly to notice; slightly more literary than 'momentary'.)
|
short-lived (Often used for states or events that end quickly but may last longer than a 'momentary' one.)
Antonyms
lasting (Focuses on continuing for a long time, the opposite of something that ends quickly.)
|
permanent (Describes something that does not change or end, unlike something that is only momentary.)
Themes
daily life
|time
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Happening or existing for a very short time only.
Lasting for only a very short time; brief and quickly passing.
C1
TECHNICAL
2
Usage pattern:
a momentary [switch/button/contact]
The doorbell uses a momentary switch that rings only while you press it.
Az ajtócsengő pillanatműködésű kapcsolóval működik, és csak addig szól, amíg nyomva tartod.
This circuit is controlled by a momentary push button on the front panel.
Ezt az áramkört az előlapon lévő pillanatműködésű nyomógomb vezérli.
Use a momentary contact switch so the motor stops as soon as the button is released.
Learner examples
The light turns on with a momentary switch.
A lámpa pillanatműködésű kapcsolóval gyullad fel.
Press the momentary button to start the test.
A teszt elindításához nyomd meg a pillanatműködésű gombot.
The bell rings only when the momentary switch is held down.
Common mistake:
Learners may think "momentary" here just means "short" in time. In technical contexts, it specifically describes how a button or switch behaves: it works only while pressed and does not stay on by itself.
Meaning
working only while pressed
Collocations
momentary switch
|momentary button
|momentary contact
|momentary push button
|momentary action switch
Synonyms
non-latching (Technical term emphasizing that the switch does not stay in the on position after being pressed.)
|
spring-loaded (Describes a similar mechanism that returns to its original position, though not all spring-loaded switches are strictly momentary.)
Antonyms
latching (Describes a switch that stays in its new state after being pressed, the opposite of a momentary switch.)
Themes
technology
|engineering
|science
Definition
Used about a button or switch that works only when you keep your finger on it and stops when you let go.
Describing an electrical or mechanical control that operates only while it is actively pressed or held and stops when released.
Grammar
Dictionary form
momentary
IPA
GB/mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi/
US/mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi/
Syllables & stress
mo - ment - ary (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (mo)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: momentary
Word family
Core family
moment
noun A2
momentarily
adverb B2
Negative and opposite forms
permanent
adjective B1
Expressions
a momentary lapse in concentration
1/ə mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi lˈæps ˈɪn kˌɔnsəntɹˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
a brief loss of focus
A very short time when someone stops paying attention.
Examples
- A momentary lapse in concentration cost the team a goal.
- Drivers often make mistakes because of a momentary lapse in concentration.
a momentary lapse of reason
2/ə mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi lˈæps əv ɹˈizən/
fixed phrase
a brief failure of clear thinking
A very short time when someone does not think clearly or sensibly.
Examples
- He blamed the mistake on a momentary lapse of reason.
- It was just a momentary lapse of reason; she would never normally say something like that.
momentary loss of control
3/mˈoʊməntˌɛɹi lˈɔs əv kəntɹˈoʊl/
fixed phrase
a brief loss of control
A very short time when a person cannot control their actions, emotions, or a situation.
Examples
- The accident was caused by a momentary loss of control of the car.
- She apologized for her momentary loss of control during the meeting.