contemporary
Adjective
Easy difficulty
What does “contemporary” mean?
adjective.living or occurring at the same time.
SAT Usage
The term is often used in passages discussing art, literature, or historical contexts, emphasizing the relevance and influence of current trends or figures. It suggests a connection to present-day culture or events, distinguishing itself from terms like "historical," which refer to past occurrences rather than simultaneous ones.
Common Confusions
Contemporary implies relevance to the present time, while historical usually suggests reference to events or figures from the past.
Do not choose contemporary if the context emphasizes outdatedness or historical significance rather than living or occurring at the same time.
Example Sentences
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Cervantes was a contemporary of Shakespeare.
Word Parts: How to Remember “contemporary”
Break “contemporary” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin)