'contemporary' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'contemporarius,' where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'tempus' meant 'time.'

'contemporarius' transformed into the French word 'contemporain,' and eventually became the modern English word 'contemporary' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'existing or occurring at the same time,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'modern or current.'