Definitions
01modern
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. belonging to the present time.
adj. belonging to or occurring in the present; often used to describe current styles in art, design, or thought.
日本語:現代※
“The museum has a great collection of contemporary art from local painters.”
“Contemporary architects often prioritise sustainable materials and energy efficiency over the purely ornamental flourishes seen in previous centuries.”
Antonyms
02existing at the same time
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. living or happening at the same time as something else.
adj. existing, occurring, or living at the same time; contemporaneous.
“The two events were contemporary, though they happened in different countries.”
“The diary provides a contemporary account of the revolution, offering insights that later historical analyses often overlook.”
03a person of the same age
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another.
n. a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another; often refers to peers within a specific professional or social generation.
“He was a contemporary of the famous writer at university.”
“Though they were contemporaries at the conservatory, the two composers developed radically different musical languages during their respective careers.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “contemporary” in context.
Verb
01. reflect contemporary society
“The author's latest novel aims to reflect contemporary society through the eyes of a teenager.”
verb + adj + noun
02. study contemporary history
“Students are required to study contemporary history to understand current political tensions.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. contemporary art
“The museum is famous for its extensive collection of contemporary art and sculpture.”
adj + noun
04. contemporary issues
“The documentary explores contemporary issues such as climate change and social inequality.”
adj + noun
05. contemporary with the poet
“The historian discovered several letters that were contemporary with the poet's early years.”
adj + prep
06. thoroughly contemporary
“Despite being built in the 19th century, the interior design feels thoroughly contemporary.”
adv + adj
Real-World Examples
“Contemporary silent films are touring around the New York area this summer as part of Modern Silent Shorts.” “She wrote Hagitude – “hags with attitude” – when she was approaching 60, because she couldn’t see a place for older women in contemporary culture.” Etymology
From Medieval Latin contemporārius, from Latin con- (“with, together”) + temporārius, an adjective derived from tempus (“time”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/contemporary
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「日本語」「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0