Coeval is an adjective that refers to something or someone that originated or existed during the same time period as another person, event, or object. It is used to describe the relationship between two or more entities that are of the same age or duration.
In its literal sense, coeval can describe people born or living at the same time, such as individuals who are born in the same year or contemporaries who share the same lifespan. For example, "Jane Austen and Mary Shelley were coeval novelists of the 19th century." In this context, it highlights the simultaneous existence and impact of these two authors during that particular era.
The term can also be applied to events or objects, indicating their simultaneous occurrence or creation. For instance, "The invention of electricity and the industrial revolution were coeval developments that revolutionized society." Here, coeval emphasizes the simultaneous emergence and transformative influence of these two significant occurrences on society.
Coeval can also be used in a more abstract sense to convey the idea of equality or equivalence in time. It underscores the notion of two things being happening or being valid simultaneously within a particular period. For instance, "The debate on climate change should consider coeval concerns about economic stability." In this context, the term suggests that both issues should be addressed concurrently as they are equally pressing and relevant at the same time.
In summary, coeval is an adjective that describes entities existing during the same time period, whether it be people, events, or objects. It highlights their simultaneous occurrence, creation, or impact, emphasizing their equal temporality and significance.
