Contemporary or Contemporary – Which is Correct?
When it comes to spelling, even the most proficient English speakers can stumble upon words that look deceptively similar. One such word that often confuses people is “contamporary” or “contemporary.” While they have a striking resemblance, only one of these spellings is correct. So, which one is it? Let’s learn this linguistic conundrum and shed some light on the correct usage.
The proper spelling is “contemporary.” This word is derived from the Latin prefix “con-” meaning “together” and the root word “tempus” meaning “time.” When combined, they form “contemporary,” which refers to something or someone existing or occurring during the same period of time.
Let’s take a look at some examples to clarify the correct usage of “contemporary”:
1. “The contemporary art exhibition featured works by emerging artists from around the world.”
2. “John’s music taste is eclectic, ranging from classical symphonies to contemporary pop songs.”
3. “The novel explores the challenges faced by contemporary society through the eyes of its protagonist.”
In each of these examples, “contemporary” is used to describe something that is current, modern, or existing in the same era as the subject being discussed. It is important to remember that this word is commonly used to describe cultural or artistic movements that are characteristic of the present time.
Now, why do so many people mistakenly spell it as “contamporary”? The answer lies in our tendency to rely on our phonetic intuition when it comes to spelling. The pronunciation of “contemporary” – with an emphasis on the second syllable “tem” – can lead some to believe that there should be an “a” after the “m,” making it “contamporary.” However, that is simply not the case.
To illustrate this point, let’s consider the following analogy. Imagine you are at a concert, and the musicians on stage are playing their instruments. You wouldn’t confuse the sound of a violin with a trombone, would you? Just as our ears can discern different musical tones, our eyes should be trained to recognize correct spellings. In this case, “contemporary” is the violin, and “contamporary” is the trombone – both similar in appearance, but vastly different in meaning.
So, the next time you find yourself contemplating the spelling of “contemporary,” remember this: there is no “a” after the “m.” Instead, focus on the two “e”s that follow, symbolizing the presence of “time” in the word. This will ensure that you use the correct spelling and impress others with your impeccable language skills.
In conclusion, the correct spelling is “contemporary.” It is an adjective that describes something or someone existing or occurring in the same period of time. While the incorrect spelling “contamporary” may sound plausible due to its phonetic similarity, it is essential to remember the correct arrangement of letters in order to avoid any spelling mistakes. So, let’s bid farewell to the deceptive “a” and embrace the correct spelling of “contemporary” in our everyday vocabulary.