Contemporaneous

/kənˌtɛmpəˈreɪniəs/ adjective

Definition

Existing or happening at the same time as something else; belonging to the same time period.

Etymology

From Latin 'contemporaneus,' built from 'con-' (together with) and 'temporaneus' (of the time/temporal), ultimately from 'tempus' (time). Entered English in the 16th century.

Kelly Says

Historians love this word because it's precise—'contemporary' can mean either 'modern' or 'of the same time,' but 'contemporaneous' only means the second one, so there's no confusion about what era you're talking about.

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