contemporary
Refers to something that exists or happens in the present period of time. It can also describe people or things that live or exist during the same period as each other.
Examples
3 of 5The house features a contemporary design with large windows and open spaces.
The house features a contemporary design with large windows and open spaces.
The conference will address contemporary issues in global economics.
The conference will address contemporary issues in global economics.
I'm not really into contemporary pop music; I prefer the 80s.
I'm not really into contemporary pop music; I prefer the 80s.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Break the word down: 'con' (with/together) + 'temp' (time). It means staying 'together with the time.'
Quick Quiz
The museum is famous for its collection of ___________ art, showcasing works from living artists.
Correct!
The correct answer is: contemporary
Examples
The house features a contemporary design with large windows and open spaces.
everydayThe house features a contemporary design with large windows and open spaces.
The conference will address contemporary issues in global economics.
formalThe conference will address contemporary issues in global economics.
I'm not really into contemporary pop music; I prefer the 80s.
informalI'm not really into contemporary pop music; I prefer the 80s.
Scholars often compare contemporary political structures with those of the Roman Empire.
academicScholars often compare contemporary political structures with those of the Roman Empire.
We need to adopt contemporary marketing techniques to reach younger audiences.
businessWe need to adopt contemporary marketing techniques to reach younger audiences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a contemporary of
a person living at the same time as another
contemporary with
existing or occurring at the same time as something else
contemporary thought
the way people think in the current era
Often Confused With
'Modern' often refers to a specific style from the 20th century, whereas 'contemporary' strictly means whatever is happening right now.
'Simultaneous' describes things happening at the exact same second, while 'contemporary' describes things within the same broad era.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun, it refers to a person living at the same time as another (e.g., 'He was a contemporary of Dickens'). As an adjective, it most commonly describes current trends or styles.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'contemporary' to mean 'futuristic' or 'advanced,' but it actually means 'belonging to the now.'
Memory Tip
Break the word down: 'con' (with/together) + 'temp' (time). It means staying 'together with the time.'
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'contemporarius,' from 'com-' (together) and 'tempus' (time).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the art world, 'Contemporary Art' specifically refers to art produced from the late 20th century up to the present day.
Quick Quiz
The museum is famous for its collection of ___________ art, showcasing works from living artists.
Correct!
The correct answer is: contemporary
Related Vocabulary
More time words
new
A1The word 'new' describes something that has been recently created, discovered, or built. It is also used to talk about things that you have just acquired or started, even if they existed before.
last
A1This word refers to something that comes after all others in a series or order. It can also describe the most recent time period, such as the previous week or year.
time
A1Time is the measurement of minutes, hours, days, and years. We use it to know when things happen or how long something lasts.
next
A1Refers to the person or thing that follows the one that is currently present or just mentioned. It is used to describe the sequence of events or positions in time and space.
early
A1Something that happens near the beginning of a period of time or before the expected time. It is commonly used to describe waking up, arriving at a location, or the first stages of an event.
year
A1A year is a period of time that lasts 365 days, or 366 days in a leap year. It represents the time it takes for the Earth to complete one full revolution around the Sun.
day
A1A day is a period of 24 hours, measured from one midnight to the next. It is also commonly used to describe the hours of light between sunrise and sunset.
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