contemporary
adj. · n.-
1 modern (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediatebelonging to the present time.
belonging to or occurring in the present; often used to describe current styles in art, design, or thought.
ExampleThe museum has a great collection of contemporary art from local painters.
ExampleContemporary architects often prioritise sustainable materials and energy efficiency over the purely ornamental flourishes seen in previous centuries.
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2 existing at the same time (adj.) C1 Advanced Academicliving or happening at the same time as something else.
existing, occurring, or living at the same time; contemporaneous.
ExampleThe two events were contemporary, though they happened in different countries.
ExampleThe diary provides a contemporary account of the revolution, offering insights that later historical analyses often overlook.
- contemporaneous
- simultaneous
- coexisting
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3 a person of the same age (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another.
a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another; often refers to peers within a specific professional or social generation.
ExampleHe was a contemporary of the famous writer at university.
ExampleThough they were contemporaries at the conservatory, the two composers developed radically different musical languages during their respective careers.
From Medieval Latin contemporārius, from Latin con- (“with, together”) + temporārius, an adjective derived from tempus (“time”).