WordValecontemporary
belonging to the present time
In more detail
1. (adjective) belonging to the same time period as something else; existing or happening at the same time
2. (adjective) modern; belonging to the present time
3. (noun) a person who lives or lived at the same time as another person
Examples
- 1. Shakespeare was a contemporary of Marlowe.
- 2. Contemporary art often uses digital technology.
- 3. My grandmother and her contemporaries grew up during World War II.
How to use contemporary
Contemporary has two related but distinct uses: it can mean 'of the same era or period' (often followed by 'with'), emphasizing simultaneity, or 'modern/current,' focusing on the present time. The first sense is slightly more formal and precise, while the second is more common in everyday speech. It is frequently used in academic, artistic, and cultural contexts.
Common phrases
- contemporary art
- contemporary society
- contemporary issues
- contemporary with
- contemporary figures
Synonyms
simultaneous · current · present-day · modern · peer
Opposites
ancient · archaic · historical
Word family
contemporaneous · contemporaneity · contemporarily
A common mistake
Learners often confuse contemporary with contemporaneous. While similar, contemporaneous is more technical and emphasizes strict simultaneity, whereas contemporary is more flexible and commonly refers to the modern era.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD