Contemporary vs. Contemporaneous — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
Contemporary refers to being current or modern, often used to describe ongoing trends, while contemporaneous means occurring at the same time or period, emphasizing simultaneity.
Difference Between Contemporary and Contemporaneous
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Contemporary is used to describe something that exists or happens in the present time, often implying relevance to modern or current trends, whereas contemporaneous refers specifically to two or more events or phenomena occurring within the same time period.
Contemporary art, for example, reflects styles and themes from the late 20th century to now, while contemporaneous events, such as two scientists working independently on similar projects at the same time, highlight the aspect of simultaneity.
The term contemporary can also denote a person or a group living or occurring at the same time as another, yet it primarily focuses on the modern context, whereas contemporaneous lacks this modern connotation and strictly relates to timing.
In scholarly writing or historical context, contemporaneous is often used to indicate exact timing, such as documents written contemporaneously with an event, while contemporary may refer to current perspectives or analyses of past events. These terms, while overlapping in some uses, typically serve different purposes based on the context of time relevance or modernity.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Belonging to or occurring in the present
Occurring or existing at the same time
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Contextual Use
Modern trends, current relevance
Specific timing, simultaneity
Example in Art
Contemporary art, modern styles
Artists working during the same era
Example in History
Current analysis of past events
Events occurring simultaneously in history
Implication
Modernity, currentness
Timing, synchronicity
Compare with Definitions
Contemporary
Modern; in style or design at the present time.
She prefers furniture with a contemporary look.
Contemporaneous
Existing or occurring in the same period of time.
The pyramids were being built in Egypt contemporaneously with the ancient cities of the Indus Valley.
Contemporary
A person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.
Shakespeare was a contemporary of Marlowe.
Contemporaneous
Happening or done at the same time.
There were several contemporaneous inventions that advanced early 20th-century technology.
Contemporary
Pertaining to the present time.
Contemporary issues such as climate change are critical to address.
Contemporaneous
Referring to events or phenomena occurring at the same temporal moment.
The two studies were conducted contemporaneously.
Contemporary
Current; belonging to the same time.
Contemporary artists often reflect on societal issues.
Contemporaneous
Simultaneously occurring or transpiring.
News coverage often conflates contemporaneous events even when unrelated.
Contemporary
Relating to or characteristic of the present period.
The museum features exhibitions of contemporary photography.
Contemporaneous
Having the same age or date of origin.
These fossils were determined to be contemporaneous with those found in another region.
Contemporary
Living or occurring at the same time
The event was recorded by a contemporary historian
Contemporaneous
Existing at or occurring in the same period of time
Pythagoras was contemporaneous with Buddha
Contemporary
Belonging to or occurring in the present
The tension and complexities of our contemporary society
Contemporaneous
Originating, existing, or happening during the same period of time
The contemporaneous reigns of two monarchs.
Contemporary
A person or thing living or existing at the same time as another
He was a contemporary of Darwin
Contemporaneous
Existing or created in the same period of time.
Look in other contemporaneous works to see whether that idea was common then.
Contemporary
Belonging to the same period of time
A fact documented by two contemporary sources.
Contemporaneous
Living, existing, or occurring at the same time; contemporary.
The great age of Jewish philosophy, that of Aben Esra, Maimonides, and Kimchi, had been contemporaneous with the later Spanish school of Arabic philosophy.
Contemporary
Of about the same age.
Contemporaneous
Occurring in the same period of time;
A rise in interest rates is often contemporaneous with an increase in inflation
The composer Salieri was contemporary with Mozart
Contemporary
Current; modern
Contemporary trends in design.
Contemporaneous
Of the same period
Contemporary
One of the same time or age
Shelley and Keats were contemporaries.
Contemporary
A person of the present age.
Contemporary
From the same time period, coexistent in time; contemporaneous.
Contemporary
Modern, of the present age (shorthand for ‘contemporary with the present’).
Contemporary
Someone or something living at the same time, or of roughly the same age as another.
Cervantes was a contemporary of Shakespeare.
The early mammals inherited the earth by surviving their saurian contemporaries.
Contemporary
Something existing at the same time.
Contemporary
(dated) A rival newspaper or magazine.
Contemporary
Living, occuring, or existing, at the same time; done in, or belonging to, the same times; contemporaneous.
This king [Henry VIII.] was contemporary with the greatest monarchs of Europe.
Contemporary
Of the same age; coeval.
A grove born with himself he sees,And loves his old contemporary trees.
Contemporary
One who lives at the same time with another; as, Petrarch and Chaucer were contemporaries.
Contemporary
A person of nearly the same age as another.
Contemporary
A person of nearly the same age as another
Contemporary
Characteristic of the present;
Contemporary trends in design
The role of computers in modern-day medicine
Contemporary
Belonging to the present time;
Contemporary leaders
Contemporary
Occurring in the same period of time;
A rise in interest rates is often contemporaneous with an increase in inflation
The composer Salieri was contemporary with Mozart
Common Curiosities
Is contemporaneous used for describing trends or styles?
No, contemporaneous strictly relates to timing and simultaneity, not to trends or styles.
What is the main difference between contemporary and contemporaneous?
Contemporary refers to being current or modern, while contemporaneous specifically means occurring at the same time.
What examples demonstrate contemporaneous occurrences?
Historical events like the American Revolution and the French Revolution occurring within overlapping time frames are examples of contemporaneous occurrences.
Can contemporary also mean being from the same time period?
Yes, contemporary can denote persons or things from the same time period, but it also strongly implies a modern or current aspect.
How would you describe an event that happened during another's lifetime?
Such an event can be described as contemporaneous if it literally occurred simultaneously, or contemporary if it happened during the general period of their life.
Why choose one term over the other in historical writing?
Choose contemporaneous to emphasize exact timing and synchronization of events, and contemporary for discussing modern interpretations or during the same general timeframe.
How can understanding these terms benefit students?
Knowing the difference enhances comprehension of historical timelines and modern contexts, important in academic settings.
How do contemporary events influence our society?
Contemporary events, being current, have a direct impact on societal development and trends.
What makes a technology contemporaneous?
Technology developed or emerging simultaneously with other innovations, regardless of its application or field.
What kind of art would be considered contemporaneous?
Art created by different artists at the same time period but not necessarily sharing styles or themes.
Are these terms interchangeable in academic writing?
They are not interchangeable; the choice depends on whether the focus is on the timing of events (contemporaneous) or the modernity/relevance of the topic (contemporary).
Why might a historian use contemporaneous documents?
To gain insights or evidence about events that occurred at the same time, enhancing the authenticity of historical analysis.
Can contemporary music include influences from the past?
Yes, contemporary music can incorporate influences from various eras but is primarily defined by its relevance and creation in the present time.
Can an author be a contemporary if writing about past events?
Yes, an author can be considered a contemporary if discussing current perspectives or contexts related to past events.
Which term would you use to describe current fashion trends?
Contemporary, as it relates to modern or current trends.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
