Asynchronous Meaning: Here’s What It Means and How to Use It

Interested in learning about the meaning of asynchronous? You’re in the right place! Read on to discover our complete guide on the word asynchronous.

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If you’re looking to strengthen your overall understanding of the term asynchronous — you’re in the right place. 

In this article, we’re exploring the word asynchronous to discover its definition, origin, synonyms, and more. We’ll also teach you how to use it properly in a sentence to help you feel comfortable making it a part of your everyday vocabulary. Are you ready? 

Let’s get started! 

What Does Asynchronous Mean?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the adjective asynchronous is something that is not done or happening at the same time or speed. When used in a classroom setting, asynchronous is defined as students working separately at varying times. 

For example, think of online courses with recorded lessons and material, as opposed to the traditional setting of having the professor teaching all the students at the same time.

In short, the adjective asynchronous describes events and/or objects that are not coordinated in time.

What Is the Origin of Asynchronous?

By looking at the root word “synchronous,” we can better understand the meaning of asynchronous and learn quite a bit in the process. Synchronous was formed from Late Latin synchronous, which was derived from the Greek word synchronous.

The adjective asynchronous was first used around 1735; however, its root word synchronous (happening at the same time) was first used in the 1660s.

The Word “Asynchronous” in Example Sentences

Example sentences not only help us grasp a better understanding of the definition of a word, they let us know how we should use a word in proper context. Try making a few of your own example sentences of asynchronous to help you memorize its definition today. 

Since we already know that asynchronous can be used in various contexts and industries, this tells us that we can use the adjective in a variety of different sentences. Below we have included several example sentences of the proper usage of asynchronous:

  • We have continued to research asynchronous computing for over eight years now.
  • As our team moves further to working exclusively from home, we all must rely on asynchronous methods to communicate properly.
  • Were you aware that asynchronous development is one of the best indicators of thyroid activity?
  • All online participants used the discussion board to conduct asynchronous conversations after their respective sessions.
  • The growth of our hair is not only an asynchronous process but cyclic as well. 

Synonyms and Antonyms of Asynchronous

While there are quite a few synonyms and antonyms of the adjective asynchronous, first, what is a synonym and antonym? 

If you are looking for an opposite word to use when writing up your next paper, what you are looking for is an antonym. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of the original.

As you may have already guessed, a synonym is a phrase or word that has the same meaning or definition as the original. 

Learning both synonyms and antonyms of words not only assists us in memorizing the definition they are a huge help in avoiding repeating yourself in spoken and written English.

Below we have included a list of synonyms of the adjective asynchronous provided by Power Thesaurus:

  • Unsynchronized
  • Nonsynchronous
  • Metachronous
  • Async
  • Anachronistic
  • Nonparallel
  • Serial

Below we have included a list of antonyms of the adjective asynchronous provided by Power Thesaurus: 

  • Synchronous
  • Concurrent
  • At the Same Time as
  • Contemporaneous
  • Simultaneous
  • Concomitant
  • In Phase
  • Coinciding
  • Coetaneous
  • Immediate
  • Accompanying
  • Cotemporal
  • Real-Time
  • With the Beat
  • In Step

Try using one of these antonyms or synonyms in a sentence today!

Asynchronous Communication

Due largely to the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more businesses and educators have moved to online education, working remotely on devices from the comfort of home. 

As we move more and more into a remote setting, asynchronous communication plays a larger part every day.

Asynchronous communication keeps schools, businesses, and many other types of organizations running efficiently and without effort, even with coworkers and peers not sharing the same space.

When speaking of remote, human-to-human communication, asynchronous communication means sending a message to a peer without expecting an immediate response. The easiest way to look at this and perhaps most well-known is sending an email and getting a response hours later. 

Below we have included a few popular asynchronous communication tools used today:

  • Tettra
  • Discord
  • Twist
  • Miro
  • ClickUp
  • Google Drive
  • Asana
  • Mural
  • Yac
  • Monday.com
  • Loom
  • Yammer
  • MS Teams

Asynchronous and Remote Learning

Most parents as of late may have already seen asynchronous methods used more and more. This is primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has led to educators transitioning most of their students into virtual learning environments. 

For those still confused about this meaning, asynchronous in remote learning refers to learning methods that change up the traditional standard and let students work at their own pace.

When students are in an asynchronous course, they do not need to meet in real-time with a live instructor. Students participating in asynchronous learning can move through the material at their own pace in their own time zone. These methods are frequently aided by emails, lectures, and discussion boards. 

A few examples of this would be an instructor offering prerecorded videos to students and asynchronous assignments that students are asked to complete on their schedules.

Recap

Overall, the word asynchronous means not occurring at the same time.

Want to explore more interesting words? Check out our website today, where you can enhance your vocabulary, discover grammar tips, and more.  

Sources:

  1. ASYNCHRONOUS definition | Cambridge English Dictionary
  2. 41 Words and Phrases for Asynchronous | Power Thesaurus
  3. Asynchronous Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com