interim
The time between two events; temporary, provisional.
Examples
In a meeting
“We'll use a manual process as an interim solution until the software is ready.”
Over coffee
“In the interim, let's just use the old one.”
Why this word
temporary
Interim specifically refers to the intervening time between two states or the placeholder during transition, while temporary just means not permanent
transitional
Interim is more concise and commonly used in business for placeholder roles or solutions
provisional
Provisional suggests something tentative pending approval, while interim emphasizes the time-limited bridging period
Usage tip
Works as both adjective ('interim solution') and noun ('in the interim'). Implies a defined temporary period, not vague waiting.
Etymology
Latin interim — inter (between, meanwhile)
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
anticipate
To expect or predict something and prepare for it accordingly.
preempt
Take action to prevent something before it happens
proactive
Acting in advance to deal with expected situations