Word
chronological
Phoneticschrono·log·i·cal
US/ˌkɹɑnəˈɫɑdʒɪkəɫ/
UK/kɹˌɒnəlˈɒdʒɪkəl/
Definitions
01ordered by time
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. arranged in the order that things happened, starting with the oldest event.
adj. arranged in the order of occurrence from the earliest to the most recent.
“The history book lists the kings in chronological order.”
“The detective arranged the witness statements in chronological order to identify exactly when the suspect had left the building.”
Usage
Usually precedes the noun 'order' or 'sequence'.
Teaching tip
This is a high-frequency word in academic writing and history; students should learn it as part of the fixed phrase 'chronological order'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02relating to time
C1 · Advanced Science Technical · Academic
adj. relating to time or how we measure it.
adj. pertaining to the measurement of time or the science of chronology.
“Your chronological age is how many years you have lived.”
“The study compared the children's chronological age with their reading ability to see if they were ahead of their peers.”
Usage
Often used in medical or psychological contexts to distinguish actual age from mental or biological age.
Teaching tip
In general English, sense 1 is much more common. This sense is mostly found in formal reports or scientific papers.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Here is a rough list, which is more chronological than in order of importance.” “Researchers found that dementia risk increased when the brain appeared older than the person's actual chronological age.” Etymology
From chrono- + -logical or chronology + -ical.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/chronological