Definition

Describing something that is out of its proper time period, often referring to something that belongs to a different era than the one it is currently in.

Example

The film was criticized for its anachronous costumes that did not match the historical setting.

Conversation

I just watched that new movie set in the 1800s.

Really? Was it good?

It was interesting, but some of the costumes felt anachronous to me.

Yeah, it's funny when filmmakers mix up the time periods like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anachronous → It is formed from "ana-" (meaning against or back) and "chronos" (meaning time). The word describes something that is out of its proper time or period, hence, against the chronological order.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'against' ('ana-') the 'time' ('chronos') it belongs to — that's why anachronous means out of its proper time.

Visually Confused Words