Contemporary Meaning

UK /kənˈtɛmpərəri/
US /kənˈtɛmpəˌrɛri/
Word Definition
contemporary meaning

Contemporary Definition & Usage

adjective

Belonging to or occurring in the present time; modern or up-to-date.

Examples

  • "His contemporary approach to business made him a popular figure in the industry."
  • "The architecture in the city is very contemporary, with glass buildings and open spaces."
  • "Contemporary fashion trends include oversized clothing and bold colors."
  • "The exhibition features contemporary works by young artists from around the world."
  • "She enjoys reading contemporary novels, especially those written in the last decade."
adjective

Living or existing at the same time as someone or something else.

Examples

  • "The two authors were contemporary, but their writing styles were very different."
  • "Shakespeare was contemporary with Christopher Marlowe."
  • "My grandfather and his brother were contemporary soldiers in World War II."
  • "The contemporary artists influenced each other throughout their careers."
  • "The museum showcases pieces that were contemporary to the Renaissance period, offering a glimpse of the era's culture."
noun

A person or thing living or existing at the same time as another.

Examples

  • "He was a contemporary of Picasso, though they never collaborated."
  • "Many of his contemporaries agree that his contributions to science were groundbreaking."
  • "The author was well known among her contemporaries for her work in political activism."
  • "In terms of innovation, she was ahead of her contemporaries in the field of technology."
  • "The historical novel focuses on the life of one of her contemporaries during the 18th century."

Cultural Context

The word 'contemporary' has its roots in Latin, 'contemporarius,' meaning 'of the same time.' In modern usage, it refers to things that exist or happen in the present time, or those that coexisted during a specific historical period. It is heavily used in cultural, artistic, and academic contexts to describe current trends or figures.

The Gallery of Now

Story

The Gallery of Now

At the heart of the bustling city, a new art gallery opened, drawing in crowds eager to see the latest in contemporary art. Ethan, a young artist, had been invited to showcase his work at the gallery's grand opening. His pieces, a mix of digital art and traditional painting, were reflective of the present moment, embodying a contemporary approach to expression. Visitors wandered through the gallery, admiring works from artists who lived and worked in the same era, feeling the pulse of the modern world through every brushstroke and pixel. As Ethan wandered through the gallery with his friends, Sarah, an art historian, pointed to a painting that seemed to defy traditional norms. 'This is a true example of contemporary art,' she explained. 'The way it blends technology and classic techniques is exactly what makes the present so exciting. It's not just about what’s happening now; it's about how we coexist with past influences.' Ethan, having grown up admiring the works of his contemporaries, was proud of how his art was being received. He explained to another visitor, 'What I love about this exhibit is that it's not just about me, it's about all of us. We're all living in this moment together, and our art reflects that.' His words struck a chord with the visitor, who nodded in agreement. As the night drew to a close, the gallery buzzed with conversations about the artists, the future of art, and the way in which contemporary creators were shaping the world. Sarah lingered by a painting depicting an urban skyline, 'This piece was created by a contemporary of mine,' she said with a smile. 'We were both influenced by the same social changes, but our approaches to expressing that were very different.' The exhibit wasn't just about showcasing art. It was about understanding how artists, much like everyone else, were living through a shared moment in time. They were contemporaries in the truest sense—creators who, though distinct in style, were shaped by the same era and culture. As Ethan stepped outside into the cool evening air, he reflected on how the present was always evolving, and how it was both exhilarating and humbling to be part of it. His work, though contemporary, was already part of a larger conversation about the future of art. And as he looked at the skyline, he realized he was part of something much bigger than just himself—he was living in a time that would one day be viewed as history, and his art would speak to it for generations to come.

The Gallery of Now