Durational

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Focusing on the length of time that actions or events take place, this term relates to the measurement of their temporal existence and ongoing nature in various contexts
2. Pertaining to how long an event or action continues in time
3. Concerning the measurement or extent of time an occurrence lasts

Etymology: "Durational" is a plain formation: the adjective "duration" with the English suffix "-al" added, meaning "relating to duration." The noun it builds on has a longer ancestry. It descends from Latin "dūrātiō," a noun built from the verb "dūrāre," "to last," which itself comes from "dūrus," "hard, enduring." That same Latin root "dūrus" gave English "durable" and "endure," so the word shares its core with several common words of lasting. "Duration" passed through Medieval Latin "dūrātiō" and Old French "duracion" before reaching Middle English as "duracioun." The "-al" ending comes from Latin "-ālis" by way of Old French, where it was a common adjective-forming suffix. English attached it to "duration" to make an adjective, and the result is the form used today.

Synonyms: temporal, lengthy, prolonged, long-lasting, enduring

Antonyms: temporary, transient, brief, ephemeral, momentary