Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Transient
Tran′sient
,Adj.
1.
Passing before the sight or perception, or, as it were, moving over or across a space or scene viewed, and then disappearing; hence, of short duration; not permanent; not lasting or durable; not stationary; passing; fleeting; brief; transitory;
“Measured this transient world.” as,
. transient
pleasureMilton.
2.
Hasty; momentary; imperfect; brief;
as, a
. transient
view of a landscape3.
Staying for a short time; not regular or permanent;
as, a
. transient
guest; transient
boarders[Colloq. U. S.]
Transient represents a thing as brief at the best; transitory, as liable at any moment to pass away. Fleeting goes further, and represents it as in the act of taking its flight. Life is transient; its joys are transitory; its hours are fleeting.
What is loose love? A
transient
gust. Pope
If [we love]
Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
transitory
things, which soon decay,Age must be loveliest at the latest day.
Donne.
O
Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes.
– fleeting
joysOf Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes.
Milton.
Tran′sient-ly
(#)
, adv.
Tran′sient-ness
, Noun.
Tran′sient
,Noun.
That which remains but for a brief time.
Glanvill.
Webster 1828 Edition
Transient
TRANSIENT
,Adj.
1.
Passing; not stationary; hence, of short duration; not permanent; not lasting or durable. How transient are the pleasures of this life! --Measur'd this transient world.
2.
Hasty; momentary; imperfect; as a transient view of a landscape.Transient person, a person that is passing or traveling through a place; one without a settled habitation.