asynchronous
ay-SING-kruh-nuhs
/eɪˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs/
Not occurring or existing at the same time; designative of digital learning where participants interact at times of their own choosing.
Emphasizes temporal flexibility and independent pacing without real-time coordination.
The story behind the word. From Greek 'a-' (without) + 'syn-' (together) + 'khronos' (time). First used in electrical engineering for uncoordinated signals, then adopted by computer scientists and modern educators.
Word relationships
- non-simultaneous: Broader term not limited to modern educational or digital contexts.
- self-paced: Focuses on speed of learning rather than temporal independence of interaction.
- synchronous: Refers to activities taking place concurrently in real time.
Commonly confused with
- synchronous: Synchronous requires real-time simultaneous participation; asynchronous does not.
Word family
- asynchronously (adverb): In an asynchronous manner
- asynchrony (noun): Lack of temporal concurrence
Collocations
- asynchronous learning
- asynchronous communication
- asynchronous discussion board
Example sentences
- "The course offers an asynchronous format, allowing working professionals to watch lectures at night." Distance Education
Memory hook
A + SYNCHRONOUS = Away from same time. You study on your own clock. Not on the same clock.
When not to use
Do not use to describe offline printed material that lacks digital feedback mechanisms.
Fun facts
- Engineers originally used 'asynchronous' to describe telegraph circuits that didn't share a master clock tick.
Related words
Explore more words
simultaneous, concurrent, asymmetric, contemporary, unison, unilateral
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