What does contemporize mean?
Contemporize is a verb that means to make something modern or contemporary in style, approach, or attitude. It involves bringing something up to date, often by incorporating new ideas, technologies, or perspectives. This can be seen in various fields, such as art, architecture, literature, or even business. The goal of contemporizing is to make something relevant and appealing to a modern audience, while still maintaining its original essence or message. In doing so, contemporize helps to bridge the gap between the past and the present, making it easier for people to understand and appreciate the value of historical or cultural artifacts. By contemporizing, we can make the past more accessible and meaningful to the present, and create a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape.
verb
To make something contemporary or modern in style, approach, or attitude; to bring something up to date.
- 1. To make something contemporary or modern in style, approach, or attitude; to bring something up to date.
"The museum's new exhibit was designed to contemporize the ancient artifacts for a modern audience."
"The museum's new exhibit was designed to contemporize the ancient artifacts for a modern audience."
"The company's marketing strategy was updated to contemporize their brand image."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of contemporize
The word 'contemporize' is derived from the Latin words 'contempus,' meaning 'together,' and 'tempus,' meaning 'time.' It is related to the word 'contemporary,' which refers to something that exists or occurs at the same time as something else. The verb 'contemporize' emerged in the 17th century, initially meaning 'to make contemporary' or 'to bring up to date.' Over time, its meaning expanded to include the idea of modernizing or updating something in style, approach, or attitude.
Usage notes
In formal writing, contemporize is often used in academic or professional contexts to describe the process of updating or modernizing something. In informal writing, it can be used in a more general sense to describe making something more relevant or appealing to a modern audience. The word can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe the process of bringing something up to date, without necessarily implying a change in style or approach.