simultaneous

Everyday

1. Happening or done at exactly the same time: simultaneous explosions. tree →
2. (maths) «Simultaneous equations» are two or more equations that must be true at the same time, solved together. tree →

In the lessons

In science and everyday life: two lights flashing at the same moment are simultaneous. In maths (secondary school), simultaneous equations like x + y = 10 and x − y = 2 give x = 6, y = 4. In formal and exam voice: «simultaneous translation». In stories: «a simultaneous shout». Phrases: «simultaneous equations», «simultaneous events», «simultaneous translation».

Examples

• There were two simultaneous goals in different games. tree →
• Solve the simultaneous equations a + b = 9 and a − b = 1. tree →
• The twins gave a simultaneous shout. tree →
• Simultaneous translation lets people hear speeches in their own language. tree →
• The lights switched on in a simultaneous flash. tree →
• Can you pat your head and rub your tummy simultaneously? tree →

Note

Adjective; adverb: simultaneously. Pronounced sim-ul-TAY-nee-us (UK) or sy-mul-TAY-nee-us (US). Simpler: at the same time. In time problems, simultaneous events start or happen at the same moment, so their times overlap.