DailyWritingTips

Word of the Day: Anachronism

background image 371

Anachronism (ə-năk’rə-nĭz’əm) is the placing of a person or thing out of its natural chronological or historical time. Putting a written book in a prehistoric movie, therefore, would be considered an anachronism. Notice that in poetry and other arts anachronisms can appear both deliberately and accidentally.

The filibuster, which seems more and more an anachronism in the age of television, grew out of the practice of virtually unlimited debate that early members of Congress designed to prevent majorities from silencing minority voices. (NY Times)

At a party once I was quite fiercely attacked by a don’s wife on the theme of “the women’s page is an anachronism.” (The Guardian)

Stop making those embarrassing mistakes! Subscribe to Daily Writing Tips today!

You will improve your English in only 5 minutes per day, guaranteed!

Each newsletter contains a writing tip, word of the day, and exercise!

You'll also get three bonus ebooks completely free!

1 thought on “Word of the Day: Anachronism”

Leave a Comment