# anachronistic

/əˌnækɹəˈnɪstɪk/ (US) · /ˌænɐkɹənˈɪstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anachronistic
Updated: 2026-05-31

## Definition

describing something that belongs to a different time than the one it is in. It is often used when an object or idea feels out of place in its current setting.

For teachers: belonging to a different period of time than the one in which it is found or used. Often describes objects, ideas, or styles that appear outdated or historically inaccurate in a modern context.

## Examples

- The old wooden telephone looked anachronistic in the modern office.
- The director's decision to include a modern electric guitar in the medieval film was criticized as anachronistic and distracting.
- While the protagonist's use of a pocket watch is technically accurate for the era, the film's reliance on digital effects makes the entire aesthetic feel anachronistic to a modern audience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.