anachronism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “anachronism” mean?
A person, object, or idea that belongs to a different time period than the one in which it appears.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person, object, or idea that belongs to a different time period than the one in which it appears.
Something that is, or seems to be, out of its proper chronological order; an outdated or obsolete thing that persists.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning, spelling, or usage. Standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Same core meaning and similar connotations of error or being out-of-step with time.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK academic/professional contexts, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “anachronism” in a Sentence
[be/ seem/ become] an anachronisman anachronism in [modern society/ the digital age]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anachronism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Verb form not standard. Use 'to be anachronistic'.)
American English
- (Verb form not standard. Use 'to be anachronistic'.)
adverb
British English
- The character was anachronistically dressed in Regency attire at a Victorian ball.
American English
- The film anachronistically featured smartphones in the 1980s storyline.
adjective
British English
- The use of a quill in the 21st century is highly anachronistic.
American English
- It's anachronistic to mail a paper check for an online bill.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to outdated business models or practices, e.g., 'The fax machine is a business anachronism.'
Academic
Used critically in history, literature, and cultural studies to analyse chronological inconsistencies.
Everyday
Used to describe something that seems oddly old-fashioned, e.g., 'A landline phone feels like an anachronism now.'
Technical
In film/TV critique or historical analysis, denotes a specific factual error in period detail.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anachronism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anachronism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anachronism”
- Misspelling as 'anachronisticism' (the adjective is 'anachronistic').
- Confusing with 'archaism' (which is simply old, not out of place in time).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'anachronism' is something out of its proper time (an error or incongruity). An 'archaism' is simply something old or outdated, which may be intentionally used (e.g., an archaic word).
Yes, figuratively. A person with very old-fashioned habits or views in a modern context can be described as a 'living anachronism' or 'walking anachronism'.
Not always. While it often points to an error or obsolescence, it can be used neutrally or even positively to describe something charmingly old-fashioned or historically persistent.
There is no direct, commonly used verb. The concept is expressed with the adjective 'anachronistic' (e.g., 'That is anachronistic') or phrases like 'to be an anachronism'.
A person, object, or idea that belongs to a different time period than the one in which it appears.
Anachronism is usually formal, academic in register.
Anachronism: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnæk.rə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnæk.rə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[be] a walking anachronism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ANA' (against) + 'CHRON' (time) + 'ISM' = something against the correct time.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME AS A LINEAR PATH (something out of its proper place on the path).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best exemplifies an anachronism?