French word

contemporain

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃tɑ̃poʁɛ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivecontemporary

Example

Cette exposition montre des œuvres contemporaines.

This exhibition shows contemporary works.

Illustration for contemporain (contemporary)

More examples

Nous avons regardé un film contemporain hier soir.

We watched a contemporary film last night.

Core concept

A timeline places people, events, or works in the same historical frame.

Common phrases

  • film contemporain

    contemporary film

  • musique contemporaine

    contemporary music

Similar words

moderne: Characteristic of the present age and its newer styles or ideas.
actuel: Existing, happening, or relevant at the present time.
récent: Occurring not long ago.
présent: Physically in attendance or at the place concerned.

Definition in French

Qui existe ou appartient à la même période historique qu'une autre personne, un événement ou une œuvre.

Word origin

French contemporain comes from Latin contemporaneus, formed from con- meaning 'together' and tempus, 'time'.

Usage tips

  • As an adjective, contemporain agrees in gender and number, as in une artiste contemporaine and des œuvres contemporaines.

Other meanings

  • modernadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word