WordDream · Your AI dictionary

anachronistic

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "anachronistic": Anachronistic describes something that is out of its proper time period. Imagine a person wearing a

What does "anachronistic" mean?

Anachronistic describes something that is out of its proper time period. Imagine a person wearing a full suit of medieval armor while walking through a modern, high-tech airport terminal; the armor is anachronistic because it does not belong in the context of the 21st century. This word is typically used in literary criticism, historical analysis, or when discussing technology and fashion. It carries a sense of displacement, suggesting that something is either a "relic" from the past or a "mistake" in a creative work where an object appears before it was actually invented.

"anachronistic" in conversation

Discussing a film

Did you notice the character was checking an iPhone in 1920?

Did you notice the character was checking an iPhone in 1920?

Yeah, that was totally anachronistic. It ruined the immersion for me.

Yeah, that was totally anachronistic. It ruined the immersion for me.

Used to point out a historical error in a movie.

Fashion critique

Do you think this quill pen fits the aesthetic?

Do you think this quill pen fits the aesthetic?

It feels a bit anachronistic for a digital design studio, but I like the vibe.

It feels a bit anachronistic for a digital design studio, but I like the vibe.

Used to describe an object that clashes with its modern setting.

"anachronistic" in a sentence

  1. The knight's armor looked anachronistic in the modern city.

    The knight's armor looked anachronistic in the modern city.

  2. Critics complained that the director included several anachronistic references in the historical drama.

    Critics complained that the director included several anachronistic references in the historical drama.

  3. Relying solely on paper maps in the age of GPS feels somewhat anachronistic to many young travelers.

    Relying solely on paper maps in the age of GPS feels somewhat anachronistic to many young travelers.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “anachronistic” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.