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A thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists.
synonyms:misplacementchronological error
The term 'anachronism' comes from the Greek word 'anachronismos', which means 'against time'. It is formed from 'ana-' meaning 'against' and 'chronos' meaning 'time'. The word has been used in English since the early 19th century.
Anachronism is often used in literature, film, and discussions about history to highlight discrepancies in time periods.
While the term is not used daily by everyone, it frequently appears in discussions about literature, history, and culture.
The presence of a smartphone in a movie set in the 1800s is a glaring anachronism.
In his novel, the author cleverly used anachronism to comment on modern issues through the lens of a past society.
The historian pointed out several anachronisms in the documentary that misrepresented the era.
Anachronism is a fascinating word that highlights the clash of time periods. Imagine a knight using a cell phone or a Victorian lady wearing sneakers; these mismatches create an amusing, yet thought-provoking perspective on our understanding of history. This term has its roots in ancient Greek, reminding us of the importance of context in both time and culture. Anachronisms serve as a tool for writers and thinkers to bridge connections between past and present, inviting us to reflect on how far we’ve come.