IELTS Vocabulary Boost: Understanding ‘Contemporary’
Improve your IELTS score by mastering the word ‘contemporary’. Learn its meaning, usage, and common mistakes to avoid. Perfect for those aiming for a 6.5 band score or higher.
Are you preparing for the IELTS exam and aiming for a band score of six point five or higher? Today, we’re going to explore a word that’s sure to boost your vocabulary and help you express ideas about the present day more effectively.
The word is contemporary.
Word type: Contemporary is primarily used as an adjective, though it can also function as a noun in certain contexts.
Meaning: As an adjective, contemporary means belonging to or occurring in the present time. It describes something that is modern, current, or up-to-date.
When used as a noun, it refers to a person living at the same time as another or something that belongs to the same time period.
Word history: The word contemporary comes from the Latin word contemporarius, which is formed from con meaning with or together, and temporarius, relating to time.
It entered the English language in the mid seventeenth century.
Antonyms: Some antonyms or opposite words for contemporary include outdated, old-fashioned, ancient, and obsolete.
Synonyms: Synonyms or words with similar meanings to contemporary include modern, current, present-day, up-to-date, and trendy.
Examples use in sentences: Let’s look at some examples of how to use contemporary in sentences. The art gallery features a mix of classical and contemporary paintings.
As a contemporary of Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe was also a renowned playwright. Many contemporary issues, such as climate change, require global cooperation.
The architect designed a house with a contemporary style, featuring clean lines and large windows. Common errors in use:
One common mistake is confusing contemporary with modern. While they are similar, modern often refers to a specific historical period or style, whereas contemporary always relates to the present time.
Another error is using contemporary to describe something from the recent past. Remember, contemporary strictly refers to the current time.
To wrap up, contemporary is a versatile and useful word for describing things, ideas, or people of the present time.
Whether you’re discussing art, literature, social issues, or simply describing the world around you, using contemporary accurately can help you express yourself more precisely in the IELTS exam.
Remember its meaning, practice using it in different contexts, and you’ll be well on your way to improving your vocabulary for that six point five band score.
