Current: meaning, definitions and examples

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current

 

[ ˈkʌrənt ]

Adjective / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adjective

in the present time

Belonging to the present time; happening or being used or done now.

Synonyms

contemporary, existing, present

Examples of usage

  • It is not possible to predict the outcome of current events.
  • The current situation requires immediate action.
  • She is the current president of the organization.
Context #2 | Noun

flow of water or air

A body of water or air moving in a definite direction, especially through a surrounding body of water or air in which there is less movement.

Synonyms

flow, stream, tide

Examples of usage

  • The strong current carried the boat downstream.
  • There is a cold current coming from the north.

Translations

Translations of the word "current" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atual

🇮🇳 वर्तमान

🇩🇪 aktuell

🇮🇩 saat ini

🇺🇦 поточний

🇵🇱 aktualny

🇯🇵 現在の

🇫🇷 actuel

🇪🇸 actual

🇹🇷 mevcut

🇰🇷 현재의

🇸🇦 حالي

🇨🇿 aktuální

🇸🇰 aktuálny

🇨🇳 当前

🇸🇮 trenuten

🇮🇸 núverandi

🇰🇿 ағымдағы

🇬🇪 მიმდინარე

🇦🇿 cari

🇲🇽 actual

Etymology

The word 'current' originated from the Latin word 'currens', which means 'running'. The term has been used since the 14th century to describe the flow of water or air. Over time, it has also come to be used to refer to the present time or the latest developments. The word has evolved to encompass both literal and figurative meanings, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and society.

See also: currently, currentness, subcurrent, subcurrents, undercurrent, undercurrents.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #371, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.