synchronous
SING-kruh-nuhs
/ˈsɪŋ.krə.nəs/
Existing or occurring at the same time; designative of online interaction happening live in real time.
Highlights live presence, instant feedback, and concurrent participation.
The story behind the word. Formed from Late Latin 'synchronus', from Greek 'syn-' (together) and 'khronos' (time). It described moving parts acting together before entering digital communications.
Word relationships
- real-time: Informal and technology-focused term for concurrent activity.
- simultaneous: General term for actions occurring at the same instant.
- asynchronous: Occurring at different, uncoordinated times.
Commonly confused with
- asynchronous: Asynchronous allows delayed participation; synchronous requires concurrent engagement.
Word family
- synchronously (adverb): At the exact same time
- synchronicity (noun): State of simultaneous occurrence
Collocations
- synchronous learning
- synchronous session
- synchronous interaction
Example sentences
- "Students must attend three synchronous webinar sessions each month for live debates." Virtual Classroom
Memory hook
SYNC = Together in time, like swimming in sync. Live together in time.
When not to use
Avoid using for pre-recorded videos or self-guided readings.
Fun facts
- In physics, synchronous orbits describe satellites that orbit Earth at the exact speed Earth rotates.
Related words
Explore more words
simultaneous, unison, concurrent, concurrence, contemporary, tandem
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