The root chron means “time,” and it comes from the Greek word khronos (or chronos), which means “time.”

Core meaning

  • chron = time in the sense of duration, sequence, and timing.
  • It appears in many English words that have something to do with time or order in time.

Common word examples

  • Chronology – the arrangement of events in time order.
  • Chronicle – a record of events in the order they happened over time.
  • Chronic – lasting for a long time; happening over a long period.
  • Synchronize – to make things happen at the same time.
  • Chronometer – an instrument used to measure time very precisely.

Quick way to remember it

  • Think of “chronological order” in history class: events are listed in the order they happened in time.
  • Any unfamiliar word with chron in it will almost always have something to do with time.

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