Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to the study of a language at a single point in time, without considering its historical development: This sense is primarily used in linguistics to describe an analysis that focuses on the state of a language during a specific period.
   • Occurring or existing at the same time; synchronous: This sense describes events, actions, or phenomena that are simultaneous or coincide in time.

Usage and Examples

• Linguistics Context: A synchronic analysis of modern English focuses on its current grammar and vocabulary. Synchronic linguistics contrasts with diachronic linguistics, which studies language change over time.

• General "Synchronous" Context: The synchronic flashing of fireflies created a beautiful light show. The researchers observed the synchronic movements of the dancers.

Advanced Usage

• Synchronic vs. Diachronic: This is a fundamental dichotomy in linguistics. A synchronic approach examines a language as a system at a given moment (e.g., English in the 21st century), while a diachronic approach traces its evolution through history.
• Synchronicity: While "synchronic" is the adjective, the related noun "synchronicity" (coined by Carl Jung) refers to the experience of two or more events that are meaningfully related but not causally linked, often perceived as a meaningful coincidence.

Variants and Related Words

• Synchronically (adverb): In a synchronic manner.
• Synchrony (noun): The state of being synchronous or occurring at the same time.
• Synchronous (adjective): This is a more common general synonym meaning "occurring at the same time." "Synchronic" is often preferred in technical linguistic contexts.

Synonyms

• Simultaneous: Happening or done at the same time.
• Concurrent: Existing, happening, or done at the same time.
• Coeval: Having the same age or date of origin; contemporary.

Antonyms

• Diachronic: Concerned with the historical development of something, especially language.
• Asynchronous: Not existing or occurring at the same time.
• Sequential: Forming or following a logical order or sequence in time.

Adjective

1. (of taxa) occurring in the same period of geological time
2. concerned with phenomena (especially language) at a particular period without considering historical antecedents
   • synchronic linguistics
3. occurring or existing at the same time or having the same period or phase
   • recovery was synchronous with therapy- Jour.A.M.A.
   • a synchronous set of clocks
   • the synchronous action of a bird's wings in flight
   • synchronous oscillations