What is contemporary? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "contemporary" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different nuances.

1. As an Adjective - Meaning "Of the present time; current."

This is the most common usage. It means something is happening or existing now, in the present day.

• Examples:
  • "Contemporary art is often experimental and challenging." (Art made today)
  • "He enjoys listening to contemporary music." (Music being produced now)
  • "The hotel has contemporary furniture and a sleek design." (Modern, stylish furniture)
  • "They live a contemporary lifestyle, embracing technology and global trends." (A lifestyle current in the present)
  • "Contemporary literature explores themes of identity and social change." (Literature being written now)

2. As an Adjective – Meaning “Existing or developed during the same period of time as something else.” (Often contrasted with “historical”)

Here, "contemporary" refers to things that existed alongside something else, in the same time period.

• Examples:
  • "The Elizabethan era and the reign of Queen Elizabeth I were a contemporary period for William Shakespeare." (They coexisted)
  • "Ancient Rome and the rise of Christianity were contemporaries." (Both existing at the same time)
  • "The photograph captures a contemporary scene of daily life in Paris." (France at that time)

Key Differences & Nuances:

• “Modern” vs. “Contemporary”: This is a common point of confusion.

  • Modern generally refers to things from the most recent past (usually the 20th century). It’s about a specific, recognizable style.
  • Contemporary refers to anything that’s current, regardless of how "recent" it is. It's more about the present.

  Example: "Modern art" refers to art from the 19th and 20th centuries. "Contemporary art" refers to art being made today.

• “Contemporary” can also imply a connection to the present. It suggests something reflects current ideas, trends, or feelings.

Tips for Using "Contemporary" Effectively:

• Context is key: Think about what you're trying to communicate. Are you talking about something currently produced, or something that existed alongside something else in the past?

• Consider your audience: Make sure your audience understands the distinction between "modern" and "contemporary" if you're using them together.

• Don't overuse it: Like any word, "contemporary" can sound a bit clichéd if used excessively.

Here are some example sentences demonstrating the different uses:

• Present Time: “The restaurant offers a contemporary take on classic Italian dishes.” (Current style)
• Coexisting Period: “The museum houses a collection of both classical and contemporary sculptures.” (Sculptures from different eras existing together)

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contemporary
• Oxford Learner's Dictionaries: https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/contemporary

Do you want me to:

• Give you more examples of how to use "contemporary" in specific contexts (e.g., fashion, architecture, politics)?
• Compare it to other similar words (e.g., “current,” “present,” “modern”)?