"Retronym" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Retronym" Meaning

A retronym is a noun or adjective that refers to a thing or concept that has been made redundant by the emergence of a new term or technology that has replaced the original. It is a term that was originally descriptive and unique, but has become less relevant over time due to a change in the way things are described.

For example:

- Wireless phone (describes a phone that doesn't use wires, but was the norm before wireless phones were common)
- Acoustic guitar (describes a guitar that makes sound without electricity, as opposed to electric guitars)
- Corded phone (again, describes a phone that has a cord, now that wireless phones are common)

"Retronym" Examples

Here are 5 usage examples for the word "retronym":

1. Mobile phone

Example:
A mobile phone is so common now that it's needed to qualify as a 'landline' to distinguish it from a normal one.

2. Black and white TV

Example:
With the advent of colored TV, black and white TVs became a retronym, emphasizing the lack of color against the new norm.

3. Full keyboard

Example:
Before laptops became widespread, keyboards were called 'full' to differentiate them from the missing-keyboards of netbooks.

4. Regular coffee

Example:
A small café in the neighborhood recently started selling regular coffee to clarify their types amidst offering latte and cappuccino.

5. Standard movie theater

Example:
The new IMAX cinema was compared to a standard movie theater in reviews, a creation of a retronym through technological advancement.