contemporary

The word "contemporary" describes something that exists or occurs in the present. It is frequently used to distinguish current trends from those of the past, but it carries more nuance than simply meaning "modern." In the world of art and design, "modern" often refers to a specific movement from the late 19th to the mid-20th century, whereas "contemporary" describes art being created now. You will often hear about "contemporary fashion" describing the latest trends, or "contemporary issues" referring to the debates of our day, such as climate change or social justice.

Beyond describing the present, "contemporary" functions as a way to link people and events to a shared period in history. For instance, William Shakespeare was a contemporary of Queen Elizabeth I; they both lived and thrived during the Elizabethan era. If you describe someone as "a contemporary of mine," it means they live (or lived) during the same period as you.

It is important to remember that the definition of "contemporary" is never fixed. What we consider contemporary today will eventually become historical. It is a shifting term, always pointing toward the "now" and the shared experience of the world as it exists at any given point in time.