Concurrent vs. Current — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
Concurrent events happen simultaneously, indicating parallel timing, whereas current refers to something happening now or being used or accepted at the present time.
Difference Between Concurrent and Current
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Concurrent events or processes run at the same time, emphasizing the aspect of simultaneity in various contexts, such as multitasking computers running concurrent operations. Current, on the other hand, describes what is happening at the moment or what is widely accepted or used, highlighting its relevance to the present time.
While "concurrent" is often used to describe simultaneous actions or occurrences, indicating a temporal alignment, "current" is more about the state of being up-to-date or in line with the latest trends, technology, or theories. For example, concurrent meetings are held at the same time, whereas current events are those unfolding in the world right now.
In legal and technical fields, "concurrent" can refer to overlapping jurisdictions or operations that happen at the same time without interfering with each other, demonstrating the capacity for systems or laws to operate in parallel. Conversely, "current" in these contexts might describe the prevailing legal standards or technologies being implemented.
The distinction also applies to the usage of these terms in everyday language; concurrent tasks are those undertaken simultaneously by a person or system, showing the ability to manage multiple activities at once. In contrast, current affairs or interests reflect what is considered immediate or relevant to the contemporary period.
"Concurrent" and "current" carry different implications; the former is about the mechanics of simultaneity, while the latter relates to the zeitgeist or the immediate concerns and interests of society. This distinction helps differentiate between the operational dynamics of events (concurrent) and their temporal or cultural relevance (current).
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Happening or existing at the same time.
Happening now; of the present time.
Focus
Temporal alignment and simultaneity.
Relevance to or widespread acceptance in the present moment.
Usage Contexts
Legal, technical, scheduling.
Trends, technology, societal norms.
Examples
Concurrent sentences in law, concurrent programming.
Current events, current technology.
Cultural Implication
Ability to manage or occur in parallel.
Being in line with the latest developments or ideas.
Compare with Definitions
Concurrent
Occurring at the same time.
The conference scheduled concurrent sessions, forcing attendees to choose.
Current
Reflecting the latest developments.
She keeps up with the current best practices in her field.
Concurrent
In law, terms or sentences that overlap.
The judge imposed concurrent sentences for the crimes.
Current
Now in use or operation.
The current software version includes significant security improvements.
Concurrent
Involving shared authorities.
Concurrent jurisdiction means two courts can hear the same case.
Current
Relating to widespread acceptance or use.
The current policy on remote work is more flexible.
Concurrent
Reflecting parallel occurrences.
The scientists observed concurrent increases in temperature and sea levels.
Current
Involving the flow of electricity.
The device measures the current flowing through the circuit.
Concurrent
Operating or existing simultaneously.
The computer can handle multiple concurrent processes efficiently.
Current
Pertaining to the present time.
The current trend in fashion emphasizes sustainability.
Concurrent
Happening, existing, or done at the same time as something else
Dealing with concurrent crises.
Current
Belonging to the present time; happening or being used or done now
Keep abreast of current events
I started my current job in 2001
Concurrent
Meeting or tending to meet at the same point; convergent
Concurrent lines.
Current
A body of water or air moving in a definite direction, especially through a surrounding body of water or air in which there is less movement
Ocean currents
Concurrent
Being in accordance; harmonious
Are these decisions concurrent with university policy?.
Current
A flow of electricity which results from the ordered directional movement of electrically charged particles
This completes the circuit so that a current flows to the lamp
Magnetic fields are produced by currents flowing in the cables
Concurrent
Happening at the same time; simultaneous.
Current
The general tendency or course of events or opinion
The student movement formed a distinct current of protest
Concurrent
Belonging to the same period; contemporary.
Current
Belonging to the present time; present-day
Current events.
Current leaders.
My current address.
Concurrent
Acting in conjunction; agreeing in the same act or opinion; contributing to the same event or effect.
Current
Being in progress now
Current negotiations.
Concurrent
Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects.
The concurrent jurisdiction of courts
Current
Commonly accepted or used; prevalent
Current fashions.
Current technology.
Concurrent
(geometry) Meeting in one point.
Current
Passing from one to another; circulating, as money or a rumor
Current bills and coins.
Concurrent
Running alongside one another on parallel courses; moving together in space.
Current
Running; flowing.
Concurrent
Designed to run independently, rather than sequentially, using various mechanisms, such as threads, event loops or time-slicing.
Current
A steady, smooth onward flow or movement
A current of air from a fan.
A current of spoken words.
Concurrent
One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
Current
The part of a body of liquid or gas that has a continuous onward movement
Rowed out into the river's swift current.
Concurrent
One pursuing the same course, or seeking the same objects; hence, a rival; an opponent.
Current
A general tendency, movement, or course.
Concurrent
One of the supernumerary days of the year over fifty-two complete weeks; so called because they concur with the solar cycle, the course of which they follow.
Current
A flow of electric charge.
Concurrent
One who accompanies a sheriff's officer as witness.
Current
The amount of electric charge flowing past a specified circuit point per unit time, usually expressed in amperes.
Concurrent
Acting in conjunction; agreeing in the same act or opinion; contributing to the same event or effect; coöperating.
I join with these laws the personal presence of the kings' son, as a concurrent cause of this reformation.
The concurrent testimony of antiquity.
Current
The generally unidirectional movement of a gas or fluid.
Concurrent
Conjoined; associate; concomitant; existing or happening at the same time.
There is no difference the concurrent echo and the iterant but the quickness or slowness of the return.
Changes . . . concurrent with the visual changes in the eye.
Current
The part of a fluid that moves continuously in a certain direction, especially (oceanography) nocap=a.
Concurrent
Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects; as, the concurrent jurisdiction of courts.
Current
(electricity) the amount of electric charge flowing in each unit of time.
Concurrent
Meeting in one point.
Current
A tendency or a course of events
Concurrent
One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
To all affairs of importance there are three necessary concurrents . . . time, industry, and faculties.
Current
Existing or occurring at the moment.
Current events
Current leaders
Current negotiations
Concurrent
One pursuing the same course, or seeking the same objects; hence, a rival; an opponent.
Menander . . . had no concurrent in his time that came near unto him.
Current
Generally accepted, used, practiced, or prevalent at the moment.
Current affairs
Current bills and coins
Current fashions
Concurrent
One of the supernumerary days of the year over fifty-two complete weeks; - so called because they concur with the solar cycle, the course of which they follow.
Current
(India) Electric; of or relating to electricity.
Current bill
Current shock
Concurrent
Occurring or operating at the same time;
A series of coincident events
Current
(obsolete) Running or moving rapidly.
Current
Running or moving rapidly.
Like the current fire, that rennethUpon a cord.
To chase a creature that was current thenIn these wild woods, the hart with golden horns.
Current
Now passing, as time; as, the current month.
Current
Passing from person to person, or from hand to hand; circulating through the community; generally received; common; as, a current coin; a current report; current history.
That there was current money in Abraham's time is past doubt.
Your fire-new stamp of honor is scarce current.
His current value, which is less or more as men have occasion for him.
Current
Commonly estimated or acknowledged.
Current
Fitted for general acceptance or circulation; authentic; passable.
O Buckingham, now do I play the touchTo try if thou be current gold indeed.
Current
A flowing or passing; onward motion. Hence: A body of fluid moving continuously in a certain direction; a stream; esp., the swiftest part of it; as, a current of water or of air; that which resembles a stream in motion; as, a current of electricity.
Two such silver currents, when they join,Do glorify the banks that bound them in.
The surface of the ocean is furrowed by currents, whose direction . . . the navigator should know.
Current
General course; ordinary procedure; progressive and connected movement; as, the current of time, of events, of opinion, etc.
Current
A flow of electricity through a conductor;
The current was measured in amperes
Current
A steady flow (usually from natural causes);
The raft floated downstream on the current
He felt a stream of air
Current
Dominant course (suggestive of running water) of successive events or ideas;
Two streams of development run through American history
Stream of consciousness
The flow of thought
The current of history
Current
Occurring in or belonging to the present time;
Current events
The current topic
Current negotiations
Current psychoanalytic theories
The ship's current position
Common Curiosities
How does the concept of concurrency apply in computing?
In computing, concurrency refers to the ability of a system to run multiple processes or threads simultaneously.
Can an event be both concurrent and current?
Yes, an event can be both happening at the same time as others (concurrent) and relevant to the present time (current).
What does "current" imply in the context of trends?
"Current" implies that a trend is widely accepted and popular at the moment.
How can staying current benefit professionals?
Staying current helps professionals remain competitive and effective by keeping them informed of the latest developments in their field.
What makes a technology current?
A technology is considered current if it represents the latest advancements and is widely adopted or used in its field.
Are concurrent sentences more lenient than consecutive ones?
Yes, concurrent sentences allow for multiple sentences to be served at the same time, often resulting in a shorter time in prison compared to consecutive sentences.
Why is concurrency important in programming?
Concurrency improves the efficiency and performance of computer programs by allowing multiple tasks to be processed simultaneously.
How do current events influence society?
Current events shape public opinion, policy making, and societal norms, reflecting and affecting the issues and concerns of the time.
Can a law be both concurrent and current?
Yes, a law can be applied concurrently with other laws and be current, reflecting the latest legislative standards.
How do cultures perceive the importance of being current?
Cultural values around staying current vary, with some emphasizing the importance of modernity and innovation, while others may prioritize traditional practices.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
