The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

anachronism

IPA:

Dictionary definition of anachronism

Something that is out of its proper chronological or historical order when considered in a specific context.
"The medieval castle had a modern elevator, an anachronism that puzzled visitors."

Detailed meaning of anachronism

It occurs when an object, custom, idea, or event is placed in a time period in which it does not belong, creating a disconnect between the past and present. Anachronisms can be unintentional mistakes in historical accuracy, often found in literature, art, film, or historical accounts, where an element from a different era mistakenly appears. Conversely, they can also be deliberate artistic choices used for humor, commentary, or stylistic effect, intentionally blending different time periods. In either case, anachronisms can provide insight into the way people perceive and interpret history and culture, highlighting the interplay between the past and the present.

Example sentences containing anachronism

1. The knight's smartphone was an anachronism in the medieval castle.
2. Her vintage typewriter seemed like an anachronism in the office.
3. The astronaut's quill pen was an anachronism on the spaceship.
4. The antique car felt like an anachronism on the modern highway.
5. His top hat was an anachronism at the casual beach party.
6. The dial-up internet was an anachronism in the digital age.

History and etymology of anachronism

The noun 'anachronism' owes its etymology to the Greek language, where it originates from the combination of two words: 'ana,' meaning 'against,' and 'chronos,' meaning 'time.' In essence, 'anachronism' signifies something that goes against or deviates from the established chronological or historical order. In its original Greek context, it was used to describe a mistake in the dating of events or the inclusion of something that didn't belong in a particular time period. As the term transitioned into English, it retained its fundamental meaning of referring to something out of its proper historical context or time frame when considered in a specific context. Thus, 'anachronism' reflects its Greek roots, emphasizing the discordance between the time of an event or object and the context in which it is found.

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Further usage examples of anachronism

1. The steam-powered train was an anachronism in the era of high-speed rail.
2. The medieval castle had an elevator—an anachronism of convenience.
3. The parchment map was an anachronism in the age of GPS.
4. The gramophone played anachronistic tunes at the retro cafe.
5. The ancient artifact was an anachronism amidst modern technology.
6. The use of a rotary phone in the modern office is considered an anachronism.
7. In historical movies, spotting an anachronism like a digital watch can be amusing.
8. The handwritten letter felt like an anachronism in the age of email.
9. His vintage typewriter was an anachronism in the era of laptops.
10. The use of horse-drawn carriages in the city is seen as an anachronism.
11. The professor pointed out an anachronism in the historical document.
12. The antique shop was filled with charming anachronisms from bygone eras.
13. Wearing a top hat to a casual picnic seemed like an anachronism.
14. The classical music concert featured an anachronism when a modern synthesizer was used.
15. His insistence on using a quill pen was seen as an anachronism by his colleagues.
16. The play's anachronism, with characters speaking in contemporary slang, was intentional for comedic effect.
17. The ancient statue holding a smartphone was a humorous anachronism in the art exhibit.
18. The film's historical accuracy was marred by anachronisms like a character using a computer.
19. The vintage diner was a delightful anachronism, transporting visitors to the 1950s.
20. The ancient manuscript contained an anachronism, referring to events that occurred centuries later.
21. The theme park recreated a Wild West town, complete with intentional anachronisms for entertainment.
22. The novel's anachronisms added to its charm, blending different time periods in a unique narrative.
23. The astronaut's antique pocket watch was considered an anachronism in the space station.
24. The art installation featured anachronisms, juxtaposing ancient sculptures with modern technology.