What does synchrony mean?
Synchrony means the condition of happening at the same time or moving in coordinated timing. It can describe people or actions, as when a group of dancers achieves perfect synchrony, and it can also describe the close correspondence between parts of a larger system, such as the synchrony of instruments in an orchestra or the coordination of signals in a machine. The word is more formal than simple “timing” and often conveys an impression of unity, precision, or harmony. Its related adjective, synchronous, is widely used in technology and science, while synchrony itself is especially useful when discussing coordinated movement, communication, or parallel development. The concept is also common in discussions of relationships between organisms and the natural timing of recurring events.
nounThe state of occurring at the same time or being simultaneous. It can also refer to a close correspondence or harmonious relationship between things.
- The state of occurring at the same time or of being coordinated in time.
- A close correspondence, harmony, or coordinated relationship between different parts of a system or situation.
"The dancers achieved a remarkable synchrony, moving as if they shared a single rhythm."
"The two clocks are out of synchrony by several seconds."
"The orchestra's synchrony was particularly striking during the quiet final passage."
Synchrony is the hidden choreography of a shared moment, when separate actions align as one.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does synchrony come from?
Synchrony comes from Greek synchronos, meaning “simultaneous” or “happening at the same time.” The formation combines syn- meaning “together” with chronos meaning “time.” English later developed several related forms, including synchronize and synchronous, and the same roots also appear in chronology, although chronology focuses on the arrangement of events in time rather than their simultaneity.
Related word forms
How synchrony is actually used
Synchrony is relatively formal and is often used in discussions of movement, communication, systems, and the coordinated relationship between different elements.
Easily confused with synchrony
Synchrony is the state of happening at the same time, whereas synchronous is an adjective describing things that happen at the same time or are coordinated.
Synchrony concerns timing or coordinated movement, while symmetry concerns a balanced correspondence of shape, size, or arrangement.