chronological
/ˌkrɒnəˈlɒdʒɪkəl/
adjective
Origin
Ancient Greek
chronos — time
Overview
Meaning Now
- Arranged in the order of time of occurrence.
- Relating to the science of measuring time or assigning events to their correct dates.
Literal older meaning
pertaining to the arrangement of time
Language path
Ancient Greek → Late Latin → English
Earliest form
chronological
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term emerged during the scientific revolution when there was a heightened emphasis on formalizing history and record-keeping, requiring a precise vocabulary for historical sequence.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
chronos
“time”
Root noun
- Ancient Greek
chronologos
“one who discourses on time”
Compound of chronos + logos
- Modern Latin
chronologicus
“pertaining to chronology”
Learned formation in the Renaissance
- English
chronological
“ordered by time”
First recorded usage in the 1600s
Connections
Word parts
chron-
root
time
-o-
other
linking vowel
-log-
root
study of or word
-ical
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
chronologique
chronological
German
chronologisch
chronological
Explore next
Related to chronological
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.