pro tem.
Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Latin
| Stands for | Pro tempore (for the time being) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Writing & Everyday |
| Also written | pro tem |
pro tem. stands for Pro tempore (for the time being), a Latin abbreviation also used in law.
Marks a temporary holder of an office or a stopgap arrangement. In the United States it is best known from the president pro tempore of the Senate, traditionally the longest-serving senator of the majority party, who presides when the vice president is absent.
Example: Councilwoman Reyes chaired the meeting as mayor pro tem. while the mayor was out of state.
Usage notes
Often written without a period (pro tem). The Senate office is created by Article I, Section 3 of the US Constitution, and its holder stands third in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president and the Speaker of the House. Many city councils and state legislatures also elect a mayor or speaker pro tem.
Related abbreviations
More Latin abbreviations
- p.a. – Per annum (per year)
- p.m. – Post meridiem (after midday)
- p.p. – Per procurationem (by agency, on behalf of)
- P.P.S. – Post-post-scriptum (a second postscript)
- P.S. – Post scriptum (postscript)
- pinx. – Pinxit (painted it)
- prox. – Proximo mense (next month)
- q.v. – Quod vide (which see)
- QED – Quod erat demonstrandum (which was to be demonstrated)
- R.I.P. – Requiescat in pace (may he or she rest in peace)
- re – In re (in the matter of, regarding)
- s.l. – Sine loco (without place)