synchronous

Meanings

1. 1adjectivenot comparable

   Happening or existing at exactly the same time.

   Grammar: Used before a noun or after a linking verb; no comparative forms.

   Patterns

   • synchronous with something
   • synchronous events

   The two broadcasts were synchronous, starting at the same second.

   Their heartbeats became synchronous during the meditation.

   The clocks in the lab are synchronous with the atomic standard.

2. 2adjectivenot comparablecomputing

   In computing, describing communication that happens in real time, with all users or systems active at once.

   Grammar: Common before nouns like 'communication', 'learning', or 'session'.

   Patterns

   • synchronous communication
   • synchronous learning

   The video call is a synchronous form of communication.

   Synchronous online classes require everyone to log in at the same time.

   The system uses synchronous data transfer for faster updates.

3. 3adjectivenot comparabletechnical

   In machinery, moving or operating at the same speed and in a fixed relationship.

   Grammar: Often used in technical phrases like 'synchronous motor' or 'synchronous rotation'.

   Patterns

   • synchronous motor
   • synchronous rotation

   The synchronous motor keeps exact pace with the power supply.

   The moon's synchronous rotation means we always see the same side.

   The gears must be synchronous to avoid damage.

Common combinations

synchronous with

The flashing lights were synchronous with the music.

synchronous communication

Synchronous communication tools include phone calls and video chats.

synchronous learning

Synchronous learning happens when students and teachers are online together.

synchronous motor

A synchronous motor runs at a constant speed.

synchronous rotation

The planet's synchronous rotation keeps one face toward its star.

Synonyms and how they differ

simultaneous

Simultaneous means happening at the same time, but it does not imply a fixed or coordinated relationship like synchronous does.

concurrent

Concurrent also means happening at the same time, but it often suggests separate events that overlap rather than being precisely matched.

synchronized

Synchronized means made to happen at the same time or rate, often by an external action, while synchronous describes the state itself.

Opposites

Word family

synchronize verb

To make things happen at the same time or rate.

synchronization noun

The act of making things happen at the same time.

synchronously adverb

In a way that happens at the same time.

Commonly confused: synchronous or asynchronous?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “synchronous”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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