anachronism
A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned.
Refers to something that is out of its proper time period. It can be an object, a custom, or an idea. It often highlights a contrast between the item and its contemporary surroundings.
Word relationships
- misplacement: The action of putting something in the wrong place.
- out-of-date item: Something that is no longer current.
- relic: An object surviving from an earlier time, especially one of historical or sentimental interest.
- contemporary item: An item belonging to the present time.
- modernity: The quality or condition of being modern.
Commonly confused with
- outdated: An "anachronism" is something out of its time period. "Outdated" simply means not current. An outdated phone is not necessarily an anachronism unless it's being used in a context where it's strikingly out of place (e.g., a flip phone in a sci-fi movie set in 2050).
Word family
- anachronistic (adjective): belonging to an earlier period.
Collocations
- historical anachronism
- glaring anachronism
- comical anachronism
- a curious anachronism
Example sentences
- "A knight in shining armor riding a bicycle would be a comical anachronism." Describing a humorous image.
- "The rotary phone in the modern office was a charming anachronism." Referring to an old piece of technology in a modern setting.
- "For some, the monarchy is an anachronism in a democratic society." Discussing political systems.
Memory hook
"A-NAK-ruh-niz-um" – think of "A-NAKED-CHRONOS" (Chronos being time) – something nakedly out of time. Against time
When not to use
Don't use "anachronism" for something that is merely old or outdated. It specifically implies that the item doesn't belong in its current time context.
Fun facts
- Shakespeare is famous for anachronisms in his plays, such as clocks striking in "Julius Caesar," even though mechanical clocks didn't exist in ancient Rome.
Related words
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