contemporaneo
Lemma: contemporaneo
Translation: contemporary; modern; current; simultaneous; coeval (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'contemporaneus', formed from 'con-' (with, together) and 'temporaneus' (of time, timely), derived from 'tempus' (time). The English cognate 'contemporary' shares the same Latin root. The word literally means 'of the same time' or 'belonging to the same period'.
Example Usage
L'arte contemporanea è esposta in questo museo.
Contemporary art is exhibited in this museum.
La musica contemporanea spesso mescola diversi stili.
Contemporary music often mixes different styles.
Siamo contemporanei, siamo nati nello stesso anno.
We are contemporaries, we were born in the same year.
Gli eventi contemporanei influenzano la nostra percezione della storia.
Contemporary events influence our perception of history.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con tempo' (with time) - people who are contemporary live in the same time period.
- Contemporary sounds like 'con temporary' - temporary things exist at the same time.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian academic contexts, 'storia contemporanea' (contemporary history) specifically refers to the period from the French Revolution (1789) to the present day, which is different from some English-speaking countries where contemporary history might refer to more recent periods.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'contemporaneo' means 'of the same time period' or 'current', 'temporaneo' means 'temporary' or 'lasting for a limited time'.
This word:
L'arte contemporanea riflette la società attuale.
Contemporary art reflects current society.
Notes: Both words relate to time but in different ways: 'contemporaneo' is about occurring in the same time period, while 'temporaneo' is about lasting for a limited time.
Mnemonic: 'Contemporaneo' has 'con' (with) + 'tempo' (time), meaning 'with the current time'. 'Temporaneo' has just 'tempo', focusing on the limited duration of time.