IELTS Vocabulary List: Time
Chronological - Arranged in the order of occurrence. This term is often used in historical or biographical contexts.
Example: The timeline was organized in chronological order, starting from the ancient civilizations to modern times.
Epoch - A significant period in history or a person’s life marked by notable events or developments.
Example: The Renaissance was an epoch of great cultural and scientific advancements.
Ephemeral - Lasting for a very short time; transient.
Example: The ephemeral nature of the fireworks show made it all the more beautiful.
Perpetual - Continuing forever or for an indefinite time without interruption.
Example: The clock in the town square has been in perpetual motion for over a century.
Temporal - Relating to worldly as opposed to spiritual affairs; relating to time.
Example: His interests were more temporal than spiritual, focusing on politics and economics.
Eon - An indefinite and very long period of time, often used in a geological context.
Example: The Earth’s history spans several eons, each marked by significant geological events.
Transitory - Not permanent; lasting only a short time.
Example: Their joy was transitory, fading quickly after the event was over.
Decade - A period of ten years.
Example: The 1960s were a transformative decade for civil rights in the United States.
Centennial - Relating to a hundredth anniversary.
Example: The university’s centennial celebration included a series of lectures and events commemorating its history.
Millennium - A period of a thousand years.
Example: The turn of the millennium was celebrated with grand festivities worldwide.
Interim - The intervening time; a temporary period between two events.
Example: In the interim between semesters, she traveled extensively.
Simultaneous - Occurring or done at the same time.
Example: The two performances were simultaneous, making it hard to choose which to attend.
Imminent - About to happen; forthcoming.
Example: The weather report indicated that a storm was imminent.
Duration - The time during which something continues or lasts.
Example: The duration of the movie was just over two hours.
Punctual - Happening or doing something at the agreed or proper time.
Example: He was always punctual, arriving exactly on time for his meetings.
Frequency - The rate at which something occurs over a particular period.
Example: The frequency of trains on this route is one every hour.
Era - A long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.
Example: The Victorian era was known for its strict social etiquette and industrial progress.
Antedate - To come before in time; to predate.
Example: The discovery antedates the founding of the city by several centuries.
Nostalgia - A sentimental longing for the past, often for a period or place with happy personal associations.
Example: The old photos filled him with nostalgia for his childhood summers.
Prospective - Expected or expecting to be something particular in the future.
Example: The company held a meeting for prospective clients to introduce their new product line.
Retrospective - Looking back on or dealing with past events or situations.
Example: The museum's retrospective exhibit showcased the artist’s work over the past five decades.
Premature - Occurring or done before the usual or proper time.
Example: The premature announcement led to widespread confusion.
Simultaneity - The occurrence of events at the same time.
Example: The simultaneity of the two accidents caused a massive traffic jam.
Interlude - An intervening period of time or an event between two others.
Example: The brief interlude between acts allowed the audience to discuss the performance.
Lapsed - No longer valid; having expired or become void.
Example: His membership lapsed because he forgot to renew it on time.
Protracted - Lasting for a long time or longer than expected.
Example: The protracted negotiations finally resulted in an agreement.
Seasonal - Occurring at or dependent on a particular season.
Example: Seasonal allergies are common in the spring and fall.
Periodic - Appearing or occurring at intervals.
Example: The periodic reviews help ensure the project stays on track.
Elapsed - (Of time) passed or gone by.
Example: Six months have elapsed since we last met.
Bygone - Belonging to an earlier time; past.
Example: They spoke fondly of the bygone days of their youth.
Timely - Done or occurring at a favorable or useful time.
Example: The timely arrival of the ambulance saved his life.
Simultaneity - The fact of two or more events happening at the same time.
Example: The simultaneity of their resignations caused a major disruption in the company.
Incipient - In an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop.
Example: The incipient stage of the project requires careful planning.
Recurrent - Occurring often or repeatedly.
Example: He experienced recurrent headaches, prompting him to see a doctor.
Sequential - Forming or following in a logical order or sequence.
Example: The instructions were laid out in a clear, sequential manner.
Posterity - All future generations of people.
Example: The monument was erected for posterity to remember the heroes.
Temporal - Relating to time as opposed to eternity; worldly.
Example: The temporal aspects of the job were demanding but rewarding.
Antecedent - A thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another.
Example: The antecedent events of the war are critical to understanding its causes.
Chronic - Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring.
Example: He suffered from chronic back pain for years.
Interim - The intervening time; temporary.
Example: She was appointed as the interim manager until a permanent one could be hired.
Concurrent - Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
Example: The festival featured several concurrent events, making it a lively affair.
Ephemeral - Lasting for a very short time; fleeting.
Example: The fame of viral internet sensations is often ephemeral.
Stagnant - Showing no activity; dull and sluggish.
Example: The stagnant water in the pond was a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Intermittent - Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
Example: The intermittent rain showers made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
Prolonged - Continuing for a long time or longer than usual.
Example: The prolonged drought has severely affected the region’s agriculture.
Timeless - Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
Example: The movie's themes of love and sacrifice are timeless.
Eternal - Lasting or existing forever; without end.
Example: They made an eternal promise to remain friends forever.
Finite - Having limits or bounds.
Example: The natural resources on Earth are finite and need to be conserved.
Contemporary - Living or occurring at the same time; belonging to or occurring in the present.
Example: He was a contemporary of Einstein and worked in similar fields of physics.
Fleeting - Lasting for a very short time.
Example: She caught a fleeting glimpse of the rare bird before it flew away.