Coeval Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
coeval
[หkษสiหvษl ]
Definitions
adjective
A person of roughly the same age as another
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coeval |
Use 'coeval' to describe things, ideas, or beings that exist at the same period of time or have the same duration.
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| contemporary |
Employ 'contemporary' when referring to things, people, or art that exist at the same time as something else, often used to compare modern situations with the past.
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| peer |
Use 'peer' to refer to someone who is of the same age, status, or ability level as another person.
|
| equal |
Use 'equal' to describe things that are the same in quantity, size, degree, or value. This word often emphasizes fairness or mathematical equivalence.
|
Examples of usage
- He was my coeval at school
- They were born in the same year, so they are coevals
history
A person who lived at the same time as another
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| coeval |
Used to describe things or people that originated or existed at roughly the same time in history.
|
| contemporary |
Generally used to describe things or people that exist at the same time or in the present period. It can also refer to someone who lives during the same time period as someone else.
|
| peer |
Used to describe someone who is of the same age, status, or ability as another person.
|
| equal |
Used to describe things that have the same value, quality, or level.
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Examples of usage
- Shakespeare and Cervantes were coevals
- The two artists were coevals, both creating masterpieces in the same era
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Geologists use 'coeval' to describe rock layers that were formed during the same time period.
- In anthropology, coeval cultures are studied to understand how societies develop in parallel.
- Historical figures, such as philosophers, artists, or scientists, are often referred to as coevals if they lived during the same era.
Science
- In biology, coeval species can share the same habitat and evolve together, influencing each otherโs development.
- Paleontologists often examine coeval fossils to compare species that thrived simultaneously.
- The concept is crucial in understanding ecological balances and evolutionary timelines.
Literature
- Literature often explores themes of coeval characters, as their interactions can highlight social or historical contrasts.
- Classic works frequently depict coeval settings, allowing readers to delve into the dynamics of different lives occurring at once.
- Many authors have been recognized as coevals, contributing to movements in literature, like the Beat Generation.
Pop Culture
- In movies, coeval characters may be used to create relatable stories where different backgrounds affect shared experiences.
- Music collaborations often feature coeval artists who blend influences from each other's styles.
- Shows like 'Friends' portray coeval friendships, capturing the relevance of shared experiences in different lives.
Origin of 'coeval'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'coeval' comes from the Latin 'coaevalis', meaning 'having the same age'.
- Its roots break down into 'co-', meaning 'together', and 'aevum', meaning 'age' or 'lifetime'.
- The term has been used since the 17th century, highlighting its long-standing place in English.
The word 'coeval' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'coaevus', which is a combination of 'co-' meaning 'together' and 'aevum' meaning 'age'. Over time, 'coeval' has evolved to refer to individuals who are of the same age or who lived during the same period.