anachronistic

/əˌnæk.ɹəˈnɪs.tɪk/

Group 2Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; outdated
GRE

Example in Context

The senator's anachronistic views on technology regulation revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of how the modern internet works.

Synonyms

outdatedold-fashionedobsolete

Etymology

Against the proper time; out of place in time.

  • ana- (Greek) — against
  • chronos (Greek) — time

Memory Aid

Sounds like “a knack for mistaking

With A KNACK FOR MISTAKING, he wears medieval armor to a 2023 party — totally ANACHRONISTIC!

Visual Association

🕰️A knight in shining armor awkwardly trying to use a smartphone at a modern party.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “anachronistic” mean on the GRE?

anachronistic (adjective) means “Belonging to a period other than that being portrayed; outdated”. The senator's anachronistic views on technology regulation revealed a fundamental misunderstanding of how the modern internet works.

How to remember “anachronistic” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “anachronistic” sounds like “a knack for mistaking”. With A KNACK FOR MISTAKING, he wears medieval armor to a 2023 party — totally ANACHRONISTIC!

What are synonyms for “anachronistic”?

Common synonyms: outdated, old-fashioned, obsolete.