contemporary
Contemporary means happening or existing right now in the present time.
Explanation at your level:
Contemporary means 'now' or 'new.' If something is contemporary, it is happening today. For example, if you like music from 2024, that is contemporary music. It is not old. It is fresh and current. You can use this word when you talk about things you see or hear right now. It is a very useful word because it helps people know you are talking about the present, not the past.
When we say something is contemporary, we mean it is modern. You might see a 'contemporary art gallery' in your city. This means the art is by artists who are alive today. It is different from old art in a museum. You can also use it for fashion. If someone wears contemporary clothes, they are wearing what is popular right now. It is a great way to describe the world we live in today.
As an intermediate learner, you can use 'contemporary' to describe trends or social issues. Instead of saying 'modern problems,' you can say 'contemporary challenges.' This sounds more professional. Remember, it can also describe people. If you are at a conference and meet someone who started their career at the same time as you, you can call them your contemporary. It is a versatile word that bridges the gap between everyday talk and formal writing.
At the B2 level, you should notice the nuance of 'contemporary' versus 'modern.' While 'modern' can sometimes refer to the 20th century, 'contemporary' strictly refers to the current moment. In academic writing, you will frequently encounter it in phrases like 'contemporary society' or 'contemporary political discourse.' Using this word helps you avoid repetition of 'current' or 'present-day,' making your essays and presentations sound more polished and authoritative.
In advanced contexts, 'contemporary' is often used to contrast with historical perspectives. It suggests a sense of immediacy. When critics discuss 'contemporary literature,' they are framing the work within the specific cultural and political zeitgeist of the present. You might also use it in a more abstract sense, such as 'contemporary thought,' to refer to the current philosophical or intellectual climate. It is a hallmark of high-level discourse to use this term to situate ideas within their proper temporal context.
Mastering 'contemporary' requires understanding its etymological roots—the idea of 'co-existing with time.' In literature and historical analysis, you might use it to describe the 'contemporary reception' of a work, meaning how people at that specific time reacted to it. This is a subtle shift from the 'modern' meaning. It allows for precise historical framing. Whether you are discussing the 'contemporary implications' of an ancient text or the 'contemporary art scene,' you are demonstrating a command of temporal nuance that is essential for C2 mastery.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- Means happening in the present.
- Can refer to people from the same time.
- Common in academic and art contexts.
- Often confused with 'temporary'.
Hey there! Have you ever wondered how to describe something that is modern or happening right this second? That is where contemporary comes in. It is a super handy word to have in your vocabulary toolbox.
At its heart, contemporary means of the present time. If you are looking at art created by someone living today, you are looking at contemporary art. It is the opposite of something ancient or old-fashioned.
But wait, there is a second meaning! It can also mean that two people or things existed at the same time in the past. For example, you could say that Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were contemporaries because they were alive during the same period. It is all about timing!
The word contemporary has a cool history that takes us back to Latin roots. It comes from the Latin word contemporarius, which is a combination of con- (meaning 'with' or 'together') and tempus (meaning 'time').
So, literally, it means with time. Over the centuries, it traveled through Old French before landing in English during the 17th century. It started out mostly used to describe people who lived at the same time, but as language evolved, it grew to include the 'modern' meaning we use today.
It is fascinating how words about time change! While we now use it to mean 'new,' it originally focused purely on the relationship between two things existing together. Keep that in mind—it adds a nice layer of depth to your sentences.
Using contemporary is a great way to sound more precise. In casual conversation, people often just say 'modern,' but 'contemporary' adds a touch of sophistication. It is very common in academic and professional settings.
You will often see it paired with words like art, music, design, or issues. For instance, 'contemporary issues' refers to problems we are facing right now in the world. It is a neutral term, meaning it is not inherently positive or negative—it just describes the current state of things.
Remember, if you are talking about a person, you can use it as a noun too: 'He was a contemporary of mine in college.' That means you were there at the same time!
While 'contemporary' isn't usually the star of an idiom, it fits into phrases about time. Here are five ways to think about it:
- Ahead of one's time: Someone whose ideas are more contemporary than the era they live in.
- With the times: Keeping up with contemporary trends.
- A sign of the times: An event that shows what is happening in the contemporary world.
- Back in the day: The opposite of contemporary; referring to the past.
- In this day and age: A very common way to say 'in the contemporary period.'
Pronouncing contemporary can be a bit of a tongue twister! In the UK, it is often said as /kənˈtem.pər.ər.i/, while in the US, the 't' sounds are often softer, sounding like /kənˈtem.pə.rer.i/. Focus on the stress on the second syllable: tem.
Grammatically, it is an adjective, so it usually comes before a noun (e.g., 'a contemporary house'). It can also follow a linking verb like 'is' or 'are' (e.g., 'The design is very contemporary'). It does not have a plural form when used as an adjective, but as a noun (meaning a person), it becomes contemporaries.
Rhyming words include temporary (which is a great way to remember the ending!), honorary, and literary. Practice saying them together to get the rhythm right!
Fun Fact
It shares the same Latin root 'tempus' as the word 'tempo' in music!
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'tem' followed by a quick 'pər-ər-i'
The 't' in the middle is often a flap 'd' sound
Common Errors
- Skipping the 'p' sound
- Putting stress on the first syllable
- Confusing it with 'temporary'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to read
Useful for essays
Good for professional talk
Standard pronunciation
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Adjective Placement
A contemporary house.
Noun vs Adjective
He is a contemporary.
Subject-Verb Agreement
They are contemporaries.
Examples by Level
I like contemporary music.
I like music of today.
Adjective before noun
This is a contemporary house.
This is a modern house.
Adjective before noun
He is a contemporary artist.
He is an artist of today.
Adjective before noun
They like contemporary art.
They like art from now.
Adjective before noun
The store sells contemporary clothes.
The store sells new fashion.
Adjective before noun
We live in a contemporary world.
We live in the world of today.
Adjective before noun
She writes contemporary books.
She writes books about today.
Adjective before noun
This design is very contemporary.
This style is very new.
Adjective after verb
The museum has a great collection of contemporary art.
She is a contemporary of my father.
Contemporary dance is very expressive.
We are studying contemporary history.
The hotel has a contemporary design.
I enjoy reading contemporary poetry.
They discussed contemporary social issues.
The film is set in the contemporary era.
The company is known for its contemporary approach to management.
She is one of the most famous contemporary authors.
Contemporary architecture often uses glass and steel.
He was a contemporary of the great explorers.
The exhibition highlights contemporary political themes.
Many contemporary musicians are using new technology.
We need to address these contemporary challenges.
The style is a blend of traditional and contemporary.
The critic analyzed the contemporary relevance of the play.
Her work captures the spirit of contemporary life.
Contemporary society is increasingly digital.
The debate focused on contemporary economic trends.
He is widely considered a contemporary master of the craft.
Contemporary philosophy often deals with ethics.
The building is a striking example of contemporary design.
They are contemporaries who have both influenced the field.
The professor specializes in contemporary literary theory.
Contemporary discourse on climate change is complex.
The artist challenges contemporary norms through her work.
His views are quite contemporary for an older man.
The contemporary art market is highly volatile.
She examines the contemporary impact of globalization.
The novel offers a critique of contemporary values.
Contemporary scholars are revisiting these ancient texts.
The contemporary reception of the work was initially hostile.
He remains a contemporary figure in the field of physics.
The gallery focuses on the contemporary avant-garde.
Her research bridges the gap between classical and contemporary.
The contemporary landscape of the industry is shifting.
They are contemporaries in the sense that they share the same era.
The play has a contemporary resonance that surprises audiences.
The contemporary aesthetic favors minimalism.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"Keep up with the times"
To stay informed about current trends.
You need to keep up with the times to stay relevant.
neutral"A sign of the times"
An event that reflects the current state of society.
The closing of the library is a sign of the times.
neutral"Ahead of one's time"
Having ideas that are more advanced than the current era.
The inventor was truly ahead of his time.
neutral"In this day and age"
In the modern, contemporary world.
In this day and age, everyone has a smartphone.
neutral"Behind the times"
Old-fashioned or not aware of current trends.
My grandfather is a bit behind the times.
casualEasily Confused
Similar sound.
Temporary means short-lived; contemporary means current.
A temporary job vs. a contemporary artist.
Similar meaning.
Modern can mean 20th century; contemporary is always now.
Modern art (1900s) vs. contemporary art (today).
Similar spelling.
Contemptuous means disrespectful.
He was contemptuous of the rules.
Similar meaning.
Current is more general; contemporary is more specific to eras.
Current news vs. contemporary society.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + contemporary
The design is contemporary.
Contemporary + noun
Contemporary art is popular.
A + contemporary + of + noun
He was a contemporary of Picasso.
In + contemporary + noun
In contemporary society, we are busy.
The + contemporary + noun
The contemporary style is minimalist.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
مرتبط
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
They sound similar but mean opposite things.
They share a similar start but have totally different meanings.
Contemporary implies the current era, not the past.
It is usually used for people or abstract concepts, not physical objects like a chair.
Don't forget the 'a' after the 'p'.
Tips
The 'Temp' Trick
Remember 'temp' means time.
Professionalism
Use it in essays instead of 'new'.
Art World
It is the standard term for art today.
Adjective Use
Place before the noun.
Stress
Stress the second syllable.
Spelling
Don't skip the 'a'.
Latin Roots
It comes from 'tempus'.
Contextualize
Use it to describe your own life.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
CON (together) + TEMP (time) + ORARY (sounds like temporary).
Visual Association
A clock showing the current time.
Word Web
چالش
Write three sentences about things you use that are contemporary.
ریشه کلمه
Latin
Original meaning: With time
بافت فرهنگی
None.
Used frequently in art and history contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Art Gallery
- contemporary collection
- contemporary artist
- contemporary exhibition
History Class
- contemporary accounts
- contemporary figures
- contemporary era
Music
- contemporary hits
- contemporary composer
- contemporary sound
Business
- contemporary strategy
- contemporary market
- contemporary trends
Conversation Starters
"What is your favorite type of contemporary art?"
"Do you think contemporary life is too fast?"
"Who is a famous contemporary figure you admire?"
"How has contemporary music changed?"
"Is your home decorated in a contemporary style?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a contemporary issue that concerns you.
Write about a person you consider a contemporary of yours.
Compare your lifestyle to that of someone living 50 years ago.
What makes a piece of art 'contemporary'?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالOften yes, but contemporary specifically means 'now'.
Yes, it is a contemporary device.
It can be a noun when referring to a person.
C-O-N-T-E-M-P-O-R-A-R-Y.
It is neutral but sounds more professional than 'new'.
No, that is a common mistake!
Yes, that works well.
Ancient or outdated.
خودت رو بسنج
I love ___ art.
Contemporary means art from today.
What does contemporary mean?
It means the present time.
Contemporary means the same as ancient.
They are opposites.
Word
معنی
Matching synonyms and antonyms.
This is contemporary art.
امتیاز: /5
Summary
Contemporary means existing or happening right now in our current time.
- Means happening in the present.
- Can refer to people from the same time.
- Common in academic and art contexts.
- Often confused with 'temporary'.
The 'Temp' Trick
Remember 'temp' means time.
Professionalism
Use it in essays instead of 'new'.
Art World
It is the standard term for art today.
Adjective Use
Place before the noun.
مثال
The museum features contemporary art from around the world.
Related Content
آن را در متن یاد بگیرید
این کلمه در زبانهای دیگر
عبارات مرتبط
واژههای بیشتر time
early
A1یعنی چیزی که در ابتدای یک زمان اتفاق میفته یا زودتر از موعد مقرر.
last
A1final
next
A1یعنی نفر یا چیزی که در ترتیب یا زمان، بعد از این یکی میاد.
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.
