contemporary-ize
|con-tem-po-rize|
🇺🇸
/kənˈtɛmpəraɪz/
🇬🇧
/kənˈtɛmpərəraɪz/
make modern / bring up to date
Etymology
'contemporary-ize' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'contemporary' plus the productive suffix '-ize', where 'contemporary' ultimately derives from Latin roots 'con-' + 'temporarius' (from 'tempus' meaning 'time') and the suffix '-ize' comes via Greek '-izein'/'-izo' meaning 'to make or to do'.
'contemporary' entered English via Late Latin/Old French 'contemporarius', and the verb-forming suffix '-ize' comes into English through Greek/Latin and French usage; the modern coinage 'contemporary-ize' follows the pattern of many English verbs formed by attaching '-ize' to adjectives (compare 'modern' → 'modernize'), producing the verbal form meaning 'make X'.
Initially, elements meant 'with time' (from 'con-' + 'tempus') and 'to make' (from '-ize'); combining them produced a verb that originally and currently means 'to make something fit the present time' or 'to modernize'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make contemporary; to modernize or update something so it fits current styles, ideas, or standards.
The architects decided to contemporary-ize the old library to attract younger visitors.
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Verb 2
to adopt or apply contemporary manners, language, or approaches; to make something conform to current trends in behavior or expression.
The director hoped to contemporary-ize the script by incorporating current slang and references.
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Last updated: 2026/01/07 03:55