CONTEMPORARY

Definition of CONTEMPORARY

CONTEMPORARY Adjective

Contemporary is an adjective that refers to something that belongs to the same time period or exists at the same time as something else. It is often used to describe ideas, events, or individuals that are current or modern, particularly in relation to a specific historical period or social context. Contemporary can also refer to people or things that exist or happen alongside each other in the same era or timeframe.

Modern or Current:When describing something as contemporary, it typically signifies that it is of the present time or recent past, in contrast to something that is historical, ancient, or outdated. For example, contemporary art refers to art that is produced in the present era, while contemporary music would include the latest trends and popular genres. In this sense, contemporary highlights the ongoing evolution of culture, technology, and societal trends.

Coexistence in Time: In another sense, contemporary can describe things that exist or happen simultaneously, without necessarily implying they are modern or current. For example, two individuals born in the same year are contemporary to one another, meaning they share the same time period, even if one is a famous historical figure and the other is not. This use emphasizes the shared time frame, rather than modernity or currency.

Historical Contexts: In historical or scholarly contexts, contemporary is often used to describe events, people, or phenomena that occurred within a specific timeframe, typically alongside others. For instance, when studying a particular era, contemporary sources refer to writings, artifacts, or accounts that originated during that time period. The term helps to identify primary sources or works that provide insight into the experiences, thoughts, and conditions of the people of that era.

Contemporary Issues or Themes: In discussions about societal concerns, contemporary is frequently used to describe issues, challenges, or themes that are relevant in the present day. Topics such as climate change, technological advancements, and global health crises are often referred to as contemporary issues because they are central to current global debates and require immediate attention and action. In literature, film, or philosophy, contemporary themes often reflect the complexities and dynamics of modern society.

Contemporary in Art and Culture: In the realm of art and culture, contemporary refers to works, movements, or styles that reflect modern or present-day practices. Contemporary art, for example, refers to artworks produced by living artists, or art that addresses current social, political, or cultural issues. This form of art is continually evolving, responding to global events, technological advances, and shifting societal values. In this context, contemporary art is often experimental and pushes boundaries, exploring new media, concepts, and techniques.

In conclusion, contemporary refers to something that exists in the same time period, whether modern or current, or to things that are current and reflective of today’s trends, ideas, and concerns. It can describe individuals, events, or creations that are a part of the same era or time frame, emphasizing the idea of coexistence in time. Whether in relation to modern culture, historical events, or the ongoing issues of our world, contemporary highlights relevance, immediacy, and the dynamic nature of the present time.

Examples of CONTEMPORARY in a sentence

• The museum features contemporary art from around the world.
• She prefers contemporary music over classical compositions.
• The house has a sleek, contemporary design with clean lines and open spaces.
• He’s a contemporary author known for his thought-provoking novels.
• The exhibition compares contemporary works with pieces from the Renaissance.
• Her views on education are very contemporary and progressive.
• The contemporary dance performance blended traditional and modern styles.
• They studied contemporary issues in politics during the course.

Origin of CONTEMPORARY

The term contemporary functions both as an adjective and a noun, relating to the same time period.

Semantic Context: As an adjective, contemporary describes something existing, occurring, or originating in the same time period, often the present or recent times. As a noun, it refers to a person living at the same time as another or belonging to the same era.

• Etymological Roots:
  Contemporary derives from the Latin contemporarius, from con- (“with” or “together”) and tempus (“time”). It literally means “with the same time” or “of the same age.”
• Historical Development:
  The term entered English in the late Middle Ages, initially meaning “living at the same time.” Its usage broadened over time to describe current or recent styles, movements, or phenomena as well as coexisting people.
• Cultural and Artistic Applications:
  In art, literature, and culture, contemporary often denotes modern or current styles, trends, and works as opposed to historical or classical ones. As a noun, it identifies individuals who lived or live during the same period.
• Current Usage:
  Today, contemporary is widely used to describe anything related to the present time or recent past and to refer to peers or counterparts in the same era.

In summary, contemporary stems from Latin roots meaning “with time,” serving as an adjective and noun that denote existence or individuals sharing the same time period, especially the present or recent times.