WordGarden.iosynchronously
C2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /sˈɪŋkrənəsli/
Meanings
Adverb
in a way that happens at the same time or in coordinated timing
in computing, in a way that waits for or coordinates immediate execution or response
Beyond the definition
Imagine an orchestra, with all the musicians playing together at just the right moment to create one clear sound. That's what "synchronously" means. It describes things happening together, in step, or with matching timing. Think of synchronized swimming, where swimmers move synchronously to create beautiful patterns. You can also see this in nature, like fireflies flashing synchronously or people clapping together in a crowd.
It's also often used in technical contexts, such as computer programming. There, tasks happen synchronously when they are closely linked in time or when one step waits for another to finish before moving on. Whether it's two clocks showing the same time or a team working in perfect harmony, the word is all about things matching in timing or moving together in an ordered way.
"Synchronously" describes events or processes that happen together, in step, or with matching timing. Very often, it suggests coordination: the events are not only close in time, but also connected by a shared rhythm, order, or pattern. While "simultaneously" is a close synonym, synchronously often adds the idea that the timing is organized or linked, not merely accidental.
You might see this word used in scientific contexts to describe biological rhythms, such as neurons firing synchronously or animals moving together. In music, dance, and sports, it often points to actions that match perfectly in time. In everyday language, it can describe almost anything that happens in unison, from people speaking together to lights turning on together.
In computer science, the meaning is related but a little more specific. "Synchronous" operations are tied to a shared timing or order. Sometimes that means actions happen together; often it means one action waits for another to finish before the next step begins. This is why synchronous processing is commonly contrasted with asynchronous processing, where tasks can proceed more independently.
Beyond technical fields, the word paints a vivid picture of harmony. You might describe dancers performing synchronously or fireflies in a field flashing their lights synchronously to attract mates. It evokes a sense of precision and unity.
Think about a perfectly timed relay race—runners move synchronously during the baton exchange to ensure a seamless flow without losing speed. When things happen synchronously, they aren't just occurring at once; they are bound by timing and coordination, working together in perfect harmony or sequence.
Examples
- 1
Dance performance
The dancers moved synchronously, even during the fastest part of the song.
- 2
Online workshop
In the online workshop, participants discussed each question synchronously instead of leaving comments for later.
- 3
Database updates
The two databases are updated synchronously, so changes appear on both systems at once.
- 4
Programming flow
This function runs synchronously, so the app waits until the file has finished loading before it does anything else.
- Domainin programming, runs synchronously
the program does not move to the next step until this one is finished
See also
Similar
- simultaneously
- concurrently
- at the same time
Shades of meaning
- in parallel
- in lockstep
Contrast
- asynchronously
- sequentially
Used with (collocations)
- run synchronously
- operate synchronously
- communicate synchronously
- synchronously with
Word family
Explore
- synchronization
- real-time interaction
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- synchronouslyadverb