Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Chronology: meaning, definitions and examples

⏳
Add to dictionary

chronology

 

[krəˈnɒlədʒi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

study of time

Chronology is the science of arranging events in their order of occurrence in time. In other words, it is the study of the sequence of past events. Chronology is crucial for historians to accurately record and understand the timeline of events.

Synonyms

order, sequence, timeline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
chronology

Best used when discussing the arrangement of events in the order they occurred, often in historical or scientific contexts.

  • The chronology of events leading up to the war is meticulously documented.
  • We studied the chronology of ancient civilizations in our history class.
timeline

Typically refers to a graphical or written representation that displays events along a line to show their chronological order, often used in planning, history, and project management.

  • The timeline of the project's development highlights key milestones.
  • We created a timeline to visually represent the historical events.
sequence

Used when discussing a specific arrangement where each item follows another, typically in a logical or linear progression. This is often used in scientific, mathematical, or instructional contexts.

  • The sequence of numbers in the pattern is easy to recognize.
  • Follow the sequence of steps to complete the experiment correctly.
order

Generally refers to the arrangement or sequence of objects, events, or steps. It can be used in various contexts, ranging from instructions to organizational systems.

  • Please arrange these books in alphabetical order.
  • The soldiers stood in perfect order during the parade.

Examples of usage

  • The chronology of ancient civilizations is a complex field of study.
  • He meticulously arranged the chronology of the historical documents.
Context #2 | Noun

historical record

Chronology can also refer to a historical record of events, arranged in the order of their occurrence. This type of chronology is often found in history books, where events are presented in a sequential manner.

Synonyms

history, record, timeline.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
chronology

When you need to describe the order of events in time, focusing on their sequential arrangement.

  • The chronology of the ancient civilization's rise and fall was meticulously documented by historians.
  • In the report, we included a detailed chronology of the company's growth.
timeline

When you want to represent a sequence of events visually or outline key events in a clear and concise manner.

  • The project manager created a timeline to track the progress of the team's tasks.
  • The museum display included a timeline of technological advancements.
record

When referring to documented information about past events, often in an official or formal capacity.

  • The company keeps a detailed record of all its transactions.
  • Historical records show significant climate changes over the centuries.
history

When discussing past events or the study of past events more broadly, including cultural, social, and political aspects.

  • The history of the Roman Empire is fascinating and complex.
  • She is studying the history of medieval Europe at university.

Examples of usage

  • The chronology in the textbook helped students understand the historical timeline.
  • The museum displayed a detailed chronology of the war events.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek 'chronos', meaning 'time', and 'logia', meaning 'study' or 'discourse'.
  • First recorded in the 16th century, it initially referred to the study of historical events in the sequence they occurred.

Science

  • In geology, chronology helps scientists understand Earth's history through layers of rocks and fossils.
  • Chronological dating is crucial for paleontologists to accurately place dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures in a timeline.

Literature

  • Many stories are told in a chronological order to create a clear narrative, helping readers follow character development.
  • Famous authors, like Charles Dickens, often used non-linear chronology, playing with time to build suspense in their novels.

History

  • Historians use chronology to organize major events, such as wars or treaties, helping us understand cause and effect.
  • Timelines are visual tools used to represent historical events chronologically, making complex histories easier to comprehend.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies and TV shows, events may be shown out of order, making chronological storytelling a method for creating intrigue.
  • Video games sometimes use chronological sequences in missions to deepen the storyline and engage players through time travel.

Translations

Translations of the word "chronology" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cronologia

🇮🇳 कालक्रम

🇩🇪 Chronologie

🇮🇩 kronologi

🇺🇦 хронологія

🇵🇱 chronologia

🇯🇵 年代記

🇫🇷 chronologie

🇪🇸 cronología

🇹🇷 kronoloji

🇰🇷 연대기

🇸🇦 التسلسل الزمني

🇨🇿 chronologie

🇸🇰 chronológia

🇨🇳 年代学

🇸🇮 kronologija

🇮🇸 tímaröð

🇰🇿 хронология

🇬🇪 ქრონოლოგია

🇦🇿 xronologiya

🇲🇽 cronología

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,159, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.