anachronism

/əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm/
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Something placed in or surviving beyond its proper time.

Examples

  • The ceremony feels like an anachronism today.
  • A smartphone in the medieval film was an anachronism.
  • The historian noticed several anachronisms in the novel.
  • Calling the ancient ruler a president would be an anachronism.
  • The old cash register is an anachronism in this digital shop.

Similar words

outdated relic
historical mismatch

Meanings

Thing that belongs to another time

noun
time
formal
A person, object, or detail that does not fit the period in which it appears, either by historical mistake or because it has become outdated.

Examples

  • A smartphone in the medieval film was an anachronism.
  • The old cash register is an anachronism in this digital shop.
  • The historian noticed several anachronisms in the novel.
  • Calling the ancient ruler a president would be an anachronism.
  • The ceremony feels like an anachronism today.

Similar words

Etymology

From Greek anakhronismos, referring to something assigned to the wrong time, through Latin anachronismus.

FAQ

What does anachronism mean?

An anachronism is something that does not fit the time in which it appears.

When is anachronism used?

It can be a modern object in a historical story or an outdated practice still used today.

How does anachronism differ from archaism?

An archaism is an old word or custom, while an anachronism is out of place in time.

How is anachronism used in a sentence?

A smartphone in a medieval film is an anachronism.

Is anachronism formal?

Yes. Anachronism is a formal word used in history, criticism, and everyday comment.

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