annual, chronological, seasonal, punctual, simultaneous: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Upper-Intermediate set 66. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. annual · adjective/ˈænj(əw)əl/

   occuring every year

   Since 2005, annual expenditure of the government on education has increased by 9% in the country.

   Synonyms: yearly

   Origin: late Middle English: from Old French annuel, from late Latin annualis, based on Latin annus ‘year’

2. chronological · adjective/ˌkrɑnəˈlɑdʒək(ə)l/

   relating to or arranged according to temporal order

   In this exhibition, we have used a chronological timeline of artists. Their work is displayed based on dates of their lives, or, if those are unknown, on years of their activity.

   Synonyms: historical, sequential

3. seasonal · adjective/ˈsiz(ə)n(ə)l/

   occuring in a particular season

   The seasonal migration of birds is a behaviour caused by environmental and climatic changes, which is considered to one of nature's most fascinating phenomena.

   Synonyms: periodic, regular

   Origin: mid 19th century: from season + -al

4. punctual · adjective/ˈpəŋ(k)(t)ʃ(əw)əl/

   arriving exactly at the time appointed

   Mr Tally, who is a very punctual worker, is in the habit of calling when she will be late or absent from work.

   Synonyms: on time

   Origin: late Middle English (in the sense ‘producing or consisting of small pricks or punctures’): from medieval Latin punctualis, from Latin punctum ‘a point’. punctual dates from the mid 17th century

5. simultaneous · adjective/ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəs/

   occurring or operating at the same time

   The announcement was almost simultaneous with the entry of the President.

   Synonyms: concurrent

   Origin: mid 17th century: based on Latin simul ‘at the same time’, probably influenced by late Latin momentaneus