Simultaneous: meaning, definitions and examples

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simultaneous

 

[ˌsɪməlˈteɪniəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

events happening at the same time

happening, existing, or done at the same time. Simultaneous events occur at the same time, or at the same point in time. This word is often used to describe things that are coordinated to happen together, without any delay.

Synonyms

coinciding, concurrent, parallel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
simultaneous

When two or more events are happening at exactly the same time. It emphasizes the exact timing.

  • The fireworks display was timed to be simultaneous with the concert's grand finale.
  • They answered the question with simultaneous responses.
concurrent

Used when events are happening at the same time, often suggesting they are independently operating activities.

  • The two conferences are running concurrent sessions on different topics.
  • She is serving two concurrent prison sentences.
coinciding

More commonly used to describe events that happen at the same time by chance, without planning. It can also mean events that happen at the same place.

  • Her birthday party coincided with the town's annual festival.
  • Their schedules coincided, so they met for lunch.
parallel

Used to describe events or activities happening at the same time but in a way that they are comparable or directly related. It can also mean events happening in a similar way.

  • The two scientists conducted parallel experiments to compare results.
  • Her career has run parallel to her personal interests.

Examples of usage

  • The two runners crossed the finish line simultaneously.
  • The concert and the fireworks display were scheduled to be simultaneous.
Context #2 | Adverb

occurring at the same time

at the same time. When something happens simultaneously, it means that two or more events are happening at the exact same time. This word is commonly used in descriptions of events or actions that are coordinated to occur together.

Synonyms

coincidentally, concurrently, concurrently.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
simultaneous

Use when talking about two or more actions or events happening at exactly the same time in a very precise manner.

  • The two explosions were simultaneous.
  • She was able to perform a simultaneous translation during the meeting.
concurrently

Use when describing actions or events that occur at the same time, often in the context of ongoing processes or tasks that are managed together.

  • The software can run multiple processes concurrently.
  • The seminar and workshop will be held concurrently.
coincidentally

Use when discussing events occurring at the same time by chance, without any deliberate cause or coordination.

  • Coincidentally, we both showed up wearing the same outfit.
  • She found herself coincidentally assigned to the same project.

Examples of usage

  • The lights flashed and the sirens blared simultaneously.
  • The team members raised their hands simultaneously to cast their votes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'simultaneus', meaning 'at the same time'.
  • It combines 'simul', meaning 'together', with the suffix '-aneous', which relates to state or condition.

Science

  • In physics, simultaneous events can be key in understanding concepts like relativity, where observers may see events at different times based on their position.
  • Simultaneous equations in mathematics allow the solving of multiple variables that affect each other at once.

Psychology

  • The ability to process multiple stimuli at once is linked to how our brain recognizes and reacts to events in our environment.
  • Multitasking has been shown to decrease productivity, potentially due to the brain's difficulty in managing multiple instructions simultaneously.

Pop Culture

  • Films and TV shows often use simultaneous storylines to create tension, weaving together multiple characters' experiences into one timeline.
  • Live events like concerts or broadcasts often stream simultaneously across different platforms to reach a wider audience.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss the nature of time, questioning whether simultaneous events truly occur in a linear timeline or are perceived differently based on human experience.
  • Some theories argue that simultaneity is a subjective experience, depending on the observer’s perspective.

Translations

Translations of the word "simultaneous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 simultâneo

🇮🇳 समकालिक

🇩🇪 gleichzeitig

🇮🇩 serentak

🇺🇦 одночасний

🇵🇱 jednoczesny

🇯🇵 同時の

🇫🇷 simultané

🇪🇸 simultáneo

🇹🇷 eşzamanlı

🇰🇷 동시의

🇸🇦 متزامن

🇨🇿 současný

🇸🇰 súčasný

🇨🇳 同时的

🇸🇮 sočasen

🇮🇸 samtímis

🇰🇿 бір мезгілде

🇬🇪 თანამედროვე

🇦🇿 eyni vaxtda baş verən

🇲🇽 simultáneo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,994 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.