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Chronological Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chronological

[ˌkrɒn.əˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

order

Relating to or arranged in the order in which things happen

Synonyms

historical, sequential, temporal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chronological

To describe events in the order they happened, from earliest to latest, often used in academic or formal writing.

  • The events in the novel are presented in chronological order
  • She listed her job experiences in chronological order on her resume
sequential

To describe something arranged in a specific order or sequence, especially when the order is important for understanding or following a process.

  • Follow the sequential steps in the instruction manual for assembly
  • The story is told in a sequential manner, with each chapter following the next logically
temporal

To describe something related to time or limited by time, often used in scientific, philosophical, or technical contexts.

  • The research focused on the temporal patterns of bird migration
  • Temporal changes in the climate have significant effects on ecosystems
historical

To describe something related to history or events from the past, often used in discussions about significant periods, characters, or contexts.

  • The museum exhibited many historical artifacts
  • This book provides a detailed historical account of World War II

Examples of usage

  • The events are presented in chronological order in the history book.
  • Please arrange the documents in chronological order from oldest to newest.
Context #2 | Adverb

order

In the order in which they happened or were made

Synonyms

in order, in sequence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chronological

Used when referring to the arrangement of events or dates in the order of their occurrence.

  • The events are listed in chronological order.
  • A chronological timeline can help understand the sequence of historical events.
in sequence

Used when something follows a recognised order, often necessary for understanding or functionality, like instructions, processes, or events.

  • The instructions need to be followed in sequence to complete the task successfully.
  • He recited the numbers in sequence.
in order

Commonly used in everyday language to indicate that items or events are arranged in a particular sequence, not necessarily time-related.

  • Please arrange the papers in order by their titles.
  • The books on the shelf need to be in order.

Examples of usage

  • The files are organized chronologically, with the latest on top.
  • The photographs are displayed chronologically, starting from the earliest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The practice of arranging history in chronological order has been essential for historians to understand cause and effect.
  • Ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, used chronological records to keep track of important events.
  • Chronology helped in the creation of timelines that shaped how we perceive historical continuity.

Literature

  • Stories often follow a chronological structure, guiding readers through events in a linear fashion.
  • Some authors play with chronology, like in flashbacks or non-linear narratives, innovating storytelling techniques.
  • Famous works, such as 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, illustrate how chronological manipulation influences plot.

Science

  • In geology, chronological dating helps scientists determine the age of rocks and fossils, crucial for understanding Earth's history.
  • Astronomers use chronological models to study celestial events and the evolution of galaxies across billions of years.
  • The study of chronological sequences is fundamental in genetics for tracking mutations and evolutionary changes.

Cognitive Psychology

  • Humans naturally organize memories in a chronological manner, which is essential for recalling events accurately.
  • Chronological order aids in cognitive processing and enhances learning by establishing a clear timeline.
  • Studies show that narratives presented chronologically tend to be more engaging and memorable for individuals.

Origin of 'chronological'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'chronological' comes from the Greek word 'kronos,' which means 'time.'
  • The suffix '-logical' derives from the Greek 'logia,' meaning 'study' or 'science,' indicating a systematic approach.
  • Combined, the term suggests a structured analysis of time-based events.

The word 'chronological' comes from the Greek word 'chronos', meaning 'time'. It first appeared in the early 19th century. The concept of arranging events or information in the order of their occurrence has been important in various fields such as history, literature, and science.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,171 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.