contemporize
|con-tem-po-rize|
🇺🇸
/kənˈtɛmpəˌraɪz/
🇬🇧
/kənˈtɛmp(ə)raɪz/
make/act modern
Etymology
'contemporize' originates from English, specifically formed from the adjective 'contemporary' plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (ultimately from Greek '-izein' via Latin/French), where 'contemporary' meant 'belonging to the same time' (from Latin elements).
'contemporary' derived from Latin 'contemporarius' (con- 'together' + tempus 'time') → Old/Middle French 'contemporain' → Middle English 'contemporary'; 'contemporize' was formed in modern English by adding '-ize' to 'contemporary'.
Initially, the root meant 'belonging to the same time'; over time the verb 'contemporize' developed the action sense 'to make something contemporary' or 'to adapt/act in a contemporary way.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make contemporary; to modernize or update something so it fits current styles, ideas, or practices.
The architect sought to contemporize the old factory without erasing its history.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/08 01:35