contemporize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contemporize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of making something contemporary or modernizing it. Example: "The artist decided to contemporize the classic painting by adding modern elements and vibrant colors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Yet Timbers does contemporize the play in ways that make Shakespeare more sympathetic to a young audience's ear, without sacrificing too much of the plot.

The New Yorker

And because "Maxwell House is a brand that's been around for a long time," Ms. McAninch says, "we want to contemporize and stay relevant, so consumers see us growing and changing with the times".

The New York Times

Her quotations are notable for going beyond mere one-liner mimicry or conceptual appropriation; they radically de-Europeanize and contemporize their sources, as Roy Lichtenstein did with his Pop Art versions of Matisse's "Dance," only more so.

The New York Times - Arts

"In some ways the only way to keep the tradition alive is to contemporize it," Ms. Bracken-Singh said.

The New York Times - Arts

But how do you contemporize that keening whine?

The New York Times - Arts

The Canadian campaign gave executives in the United States who oversee Premium a chance "to contemporize a strong business for Nabisco," Mr. Christensen says, "one that historically has not received quite as much attention" as other brands.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Kushner avoids over-contemporizing her subject, affording her women agency but not more than they actually had.

The New Yorker

"As we contemporized it, it allows us to put a lot of ego behind it," he adds, as when Mozart "calls himself a god" in the "I AM A DEUS" posters and tries "making his mark by defacing Beethoven," with "the wolf claws as his way of 'tagging.' " "We want to give classical music a fresh look, a new face," Mr. Shur says, in order to woo "a younger audience, a broader audience".

The New York Times

It contemporizes the sexual aspect of their relationships.

The New York Times

By the standards of Greek tragedy — which this is, adapted and intermittently contemporized by Anne Washburn — it is not Orestes' fault.

The New York Times

"The campaign takes what consumers know about Corona Extra — vacation in a bottle — and energizes and contemporizes it," said Jim Sabia, executive vice president of marketing for Crown Imports.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contemporize" when you want to emphasize making something relevant to a modern audience or context, especially when dealing with traditional products, brands, or narratives.

Common error

Avoid using "contemporize" in casual conversation. It's more appropriate for professional or academic writing when discussing strategic updates or adaptations.

Linguistic Context

The verb "contemporize" primarily functions to describe the action of making something modern or current. As confirmed by Ludwig, it involves adapting or updating something to fit contemporary tastes or standards. For example, "Yet Timbers does contemporize the play in ways that make Shakespeare more sympathetic to a young audience's ear."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemporize" is a verb that means to make something modern or current. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English, particularly in contexts involving brands, narratives, or artistic works. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts and is suitable for professional or academic writing. When considering alternative phrases, "modernize" or "update" often serve as close substitutes. Be mindful of overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Modernize

Focuses on making something current and up-to-date.

Update

Emphasizes bringing something to a more recent version or standard.

Bring up to date

A phrasal verb that directly conveys making something modern.

Revamp

Suggests a more thorough and significant alteration to improve something.

Refresh

Implies giving something a new and invigorated appearance or feel.

Renovate

Involves restoring something to a good state of repair and updating its appearance.

Adapt

Highlights modifying something to suit new conditions or purposes.

Transform

Indicates a significant change in the form or nature of something.

Reimagine

Stresses creating a new concept or understanding of something.

Rebrand

Specifically refers to creating a new image or identity for a product or company.

FAQs

How can I use "contemporize" in a sentence?

You can use "contemporize" to describe the act of making something modern or relevant. For example, "The director aimed to "contemporize" the classic play for a younger audience."

What are some alternatives to "contemporize"?

Alternatives include "modernize", "update", or "adapt", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "contemporize" a formal word?

Yes, "contemporize" is generally considered a formal word and is best suited for professional or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.

What does it mean to "contemporize" a brand?

To "contemporize" a brand means to update its image, marketing, and overall appeal to resonate with current consumer tastes and trends.