Referring to something that does not belong to or relate to the present time or a specific current period. This can encompass art, literature, ideas, fashion, or any other element of culture that originates from a time other than the present. It highlights a temporal distance, indicating something from the past or future, as opposed to something of the current era. The term emphasizes the disparity in time, implying a difference in perspectives, values, or artistic styles compared to what is considered current or modern. It also can be used in architecture, highlighting older styles such as gothic or baroque.
Non-contemporary meaning with examples
- The museum's exhibit showcased non-contemporary sculptures, offering a glimpse into artistic styles that preceded the modern art movement. These pieces demonstrated techniques and aesthetic principles not found in contemporary art, giving visitors a contrast.
- Her taste in music leaned heavily towards non-contemporary genres, favoring the jazz and blues classics. The musical styles did not reflect the current pop trends, her appreciation lay in their historical and artistic depth of the selected genre.
- The author's narrative was set against a backdrop of non-contemporary societal norms, giving readers an insight into values and customs of a different era. This use of context highlighted contrasting historical and contemporary values.
- Architectural design utilized non-contemporary elements, drawing inspiration from classical periods to construct a building. Using this time frame highlighted traditional building methods as a conscious choice.