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anachronism

noun/əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm/

definition

something that is out of its proper time period

example

The knight riding a motorbike in the film was a glaring anachronism that took viewers out of the historical setting.

synonyms
chronological misplacementtemporal inconsistencyout-of-date item
word origin — from Greek 'anachronismos', from 'ana-' meaning 'against' + 'chronos' meaning 'time'

anachronism, coterie, denouement, asperity, platitude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 29. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. anachronism · noun/əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm/

    something that is out of its proper time period

    The knight riding a motorbike in the film was a glaring anachronism that took viewers out of the historical setting.

    Synonyms: chronological misplacement, temporal inconsistency, out-of-date item

    Origin: from Greek 'anachronismos', from 'ana-' meaning 'against' + 'chronos' meaning 'time'

  2. coterie · noun/ˈkoʊtəri/

    a small group of people with shared interests or tastes

    The artist was known for his exclusive coterie of fellow painters who often collaborated on community projects.

    Synonyms: clique, faction, circle

    Origin: French, from 'coterie' meaning 'a shelter' or 'a group of people' originating from the word 'cote' meaning 'a small house or shelter for animals'.

  3. denouement · noun/deɪ.nuˈmɛnt/

    the final resolution or outcome of a story or play where the complexities of the plot are unraveled

    The denouement of the play left the audience in awe as all the twists and turns of the plot were finally revealed.

    Synonyms: conclusion, resolution, outcome

    Origin: French 'dénouement', from the verb 'dénouer', meaning 'to untie'

  4. asperity · noun/əˈspɛrɪti/

    harshness or severity of tone or manner

    The manager's asperity during the staff meeting left no doubt about his dissatisfaction with the project's progress.

    Synonyms: sternness, harshness, severity

    Origin: From Latin 'asperitas', meaning roughness or harshness, derived from 'asper' meaning rough or harsh.

  5. platitude · noun/ˈplæt.ɪ.tud/

    a remark or statement that is overused and lacks originality or meaningfulness

    The speaker began his presentation with a series of platitudes that failed to engage the audience.

    Synonyms: cliché, banality, truism

    Origin: from French 'platitude', from 'plat' meaning 'flat' or 'flatness', influenced by Latin 'platitudo'