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current

adj. · n.
US //ˈkɑɹənt// UK //kˈʌɹənt// cur·rent
  1. 1 happening now (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    happening or existing right now.

    belonging to the present time; currently happening or being used.

    Example

    The magazine covers current events from all over the world.

    Example

    Under the current administration, tax laws have undergone significant revisions that affect small business owners across the country.
    Pitfall
    I am reading a current book.
    I am reading a book at the moment.

    Use 'current' for situations or states (current events, current job), not usually for a specific action you are doing right now.

  2. 2 generally accepted (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    commonly used or accepted by most people at this time.

    prevalent or generally accepted at the present time; having currency within a specific community.

    Example

    That theory is no longer current among modern scientists.

    Example

    The term, though once popular in academic circles, is no longer current in contemporary sociological discourse.
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  1. 3 flow of water or air (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a steady movement of water or air in a particular direction.

    the continuous, directed movement of a fluid such as water or gas.

    Example

    The strong river current made it difficult to swim to the other side.

    Example

    Oceanographers track deep-sea currents to better understand how heat is distributed across the planet's surface.
  2. 4 electricity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the flow of electricity through a wire or circuit.

    the time rate of flow of electric charge through a conductor or space.

    Example

    Be careful because the electric current in these wires is very high.

    Example

    The technician measured the current in amperes to ensure the circuit was not overloaded before connecting the new hardware.

    Usage

    Usually uncountable when referring to the phenomenon, but countable when referring to specific circuits.
  3. 5 general trend (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a general mood or set of ideas that influences a group of people.

    a general tendency or course of events; a drift of opinion or sentiment.

    Example

    There was a strong current of anger among the protesters.

    Example

    A powerful current of nationalism began to move through the country, influencing the outcome of the local elections.
Origin

From Middle English curraunt, borrowed from Old French curant (French courant), present participle of courre (“to run”), from Latin currere (“to run”) (present participle currens). Doublet of courant.

Word family

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