What does chronologic mean?
Chronologic means relating to chronology—that is, to time and especially to the sequence in which events or developments occur. As an adjective, it can describe an arrangement, such as “a chronologic account of the treaty negotiations,” or a broader relationship to dated events in scientific and historical writing. Its central idea is order: presenting a succession of events in the order in which they happened rather than grouping them by subject, importance, or convenience. The word comes from chronology and ultimately from Greek roots meaning “time” and “study,” so its use naturally emphasizes temporal sequence. Chronologic is correct and clear, but it is much less common in contemporary English than chronological, which is the usual neutral choice. In formal, scholarly, historical, medical, or technical prose, however, chronologic can have a more traditional tone. It is especially useful when the focus is explicitly on time order rather than on historical significance itself.
adjectiveRelating to chronology, especially to the order in which events or developments occur in time.
- Relating to chronology or to the order in which events or developments occur in time.
"The museum arranged the manuscripts in chronologic order, allowing visitors to trace the ideas as they developed."
"The museum arranged the manuscripts in chronologic order, allowing visitors to trace the ideas as they developed."
"The report reconstructs the expedition in chronologic sequence rather than by theme."
Chronologic puts the clock first: it links the Greek roots for “time” and “study” to anything concerned with the sequence of events.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does chronologic come from?
Chronologic was formed in English from chronology, which comes through Latin chronologia from the Greek words for “time” and “study.” The adjective retains this association with time and the systematic ordering of events by date. Related English words include chronology, chronometer, anachronism, and synchronous, all of which reflect the same Greek root for time.
How chronologic is actually used
Chiefly used in formal, scholarly, historical, medical, or scientific writing. It may function attributively or predicatively.
Easily confused with chronologic
Both words mean relating to or arranged according to time sequence; chronological is the more common modern form.
Chronic means long-lasting or persistent, whereas chronologic specifically concerns the order of events in time.