# contemporary

/kənˈtɛmpɝˌɛɹi/ (US) · /kəntˈɛmpəɹəɹi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contemporary
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. modern

adjective · CEFR B2

belonging to the present time.

For teachers: belonging to or occurring in the present; often used to describe current styles in art, design, or thought.

- 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.

### 2. existing at the same time

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

living or happening at the same time as something else.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. a person of the same age

noun · CEFR B2

a person who lives at the same time or is about the same age as another.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He was a contemporary of the famous writer.
- While they never met in person, the two scientists were contemporaries who followed each other's research closely.
- The museum's latest exhibition features works by the artist alongside those of his contemporaries to show how the political climate of the era influenced their collective style.

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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.