Time has a Greek root and a Latin one. Greek chron gives us chronometer, an exact clock. Latin temp (also tempor) gives us temporary (lasting a short time) and tempo (the speed of music). Two more roots measure time: ann (also enn) means “year,” as in annual and anniversary, and nov means “new,” as in renovate (make new again).
Key idea
chron (Greek) and temp, tempor (Latin) = time. ann, enn = year. nov = new.
The list has five chron words: chronic (lasting a long time), chronicle (a record of events in time order), chronological (arranged by time), synchronize (make happen at the same time) and anachronism (something out of its time).
The parts and their words
Words taken apart
| Word and meaning | Parts, and what they say |
|---|---|
| chronic lasting a long time or coming back again and again | chron time + -ic → “lasting through time” |
| chronicle a record of events in the order they happened | chron time + -icle → “a record of the times” |
| chronological arranged in order of time | chron time + log reason, order + -ical → “in time order” |
| anachronism something placed in the wrong time period | ana- back, against + chron time + -ism → “a thing against its time” |
| contemporary living or happening at the same time; also, modern | con- with + tempor time + -ary → “of the same time” |
| extemporaneous spoken or done without preparation | ex- out of + tempor time + -aneous → “out of the moment (on the spot)” |
| perennial lasting or returning year after year | per- through + enn year + -ial → “through the years” |
| annals a year-by-year record of events; history | ann year + -als → “yearly records” |
| innovative introducing new ideas | in- into + nov new + -ative → “bringing in the new” |
| novice a beginner | nov new + -ice → “someone new” |
Worked example: Spot the anachronism
In a play set in a medieval castle, a knight checks the time on his wristwatch. Why is that an anachronism?
- Take it apart: ana- (back, against) + chron (time) + -ism (a thing).
- Literally: “a thing set against its time.”
- Wristwatches did not exist in medieval times, so the watch is in the wrong time period.
Answer: It puts an object in a time period where it does not belong.
Meet the words
Common mistake
chronic means long-lasting or coming back again and again, not “severe.” A chronic cough may be mild but keeps returning. Also look for enn hiding in perennial (per- + enn, “through the years”) and in centennial (a hundred years).