noun

anachronism

uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um

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Anachronism (noun) means a mistake in dating, where an event, circumstance or object is placed in the wrong period. Example: “A wristwatch in a film set in Roman times would be an anachronism.”

noun

A mistake in dating, where an event, circumstance or object is placed in the wrong period.

"A wristwatch in a film set in Roman times would be an anachronism."

"The historian pointed out an anachronism in the novel."

"Calling the medieval knight a tourist is a deliberate anachronism."

A person or thing that seems to belong to a different time or period.

"The old telephone box felt like an anachronism on the modern street."

"Some people see the fax machine as an anachronism."

"He seemed an anachronism in the modern office."

How to use anachronism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that is in the wrong time, or seems to belong to another age.

When to use it

It is a fairly formal word, common in writing about history, film and literature.

Memory tip

Use it for things out of their time, not simply for things that are old.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a glaring anachronism historical anachronism an anachronism in the film a bit of an anachronism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A wristwatch in a film set in Roman times would be an _____.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin anachronismus, which came from an Ancient Greek word meaning referring to the wrong time. It can be analysed as ana- plus chrono- plus -ism.

Origin: New Latin

Synonyms

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mistiming misdating

Rhymes for anachronism

hedonism antagonism creationism impressionism

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Frequently asked questions

What does anachronism mean?

It is something placed in the wrong time period, or a person or thing that seems to belong to a different era.

What is an example of an anachronism?

A character in a historical drama checking a mobile phone is a typical example.

How do you pronounce anachronism?

It is said uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um, with the stress on the second syllable.

What is the meaning of anachronism?

"anachronism" (noun) means a mistake in dating, where an event, circumstance or object is placed in the wrong period.