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Anachronism: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Anachronism noun. Something placed in the wrong period of time, or that seems to belong to the past.
How to say it
uh-NAK-ruh-niz-um/əˈnakrənɪz(ə)m/
5 syllables, stressed on the second (NAK). Forms: anachronistic.
Anachronism in a sentence
A wristwatch on a Roman soldier is the kind of anachronism film fans love to spot.
In a town of chain cafés, his old ironmonger’s shop is a charming anachronism.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- misdating
- relic
- throwback
Where anachronism comes from
From Greek anakhronismos, from ana-, backwards, and khronos, time.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
In a town of chain cafés, his old ironmonger’s shop is a charming _____.
- anachronism
- gloaming
- retrospect
Show the answer
anachronism: In a town of chain cafés, his old ironmonger’s shop is a charming anachronism.