Simultaneous vs. Concurrent: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on September 13, 2023
Simultaneous events happen at the exact same moment, while concurrent events overlap in time but may not start or end together.
Difference Between Simultaneous and Concurrent
Simultaneous and concurrent are both terms that describe events or actions happening during the same general time frame. However, their specific nuances set them apart. Simultaneous events or actions happen at the exact same instant, with no variation in their starting or ending times. When one refers to two things as simultaneous, they mean these things are in perfect synchrony, like two fireworks exploding at the exact same moment in the night sky.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Concurrent, on the other hand, portrays events or activities that are occurring together but not necessarily beginning or ending at the exact same moment. The emphasis with "concurrent" is on the overlap, not the precise alignment. For example, two overlapping movie screenings in a multiplex could be described as concurrent if one started fifteen minutes after the other but they both ended within the same hour.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
In various disciplines, the distinctions between these terms become even more crucial. In computing, for example, simultaneous operations might mean processes executed at the exact same clock cycle, while concurrent operations could simply be processes that run independently but might overlap at some point. Similarly, in law, concurrent sentences are those that are served at the same time, regardless of when each individual sentence begins or ends.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
It's worth noting that in everyday speech, these terms might sometimes be used interchangeably due to their similar overarching themes of "togetherness." However, precision in language, especially in specific contexts, demands an understanding of the subtle distinctions between simultaneous and concurrent.
Elijah
Sep 13, 2023
Simultaneous vs. Concurrent Comparison Chart
Definition
Occurring at the exact same moment.
Overlapping in time but not always aligned.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Usage in Computing
Processes executed at the same cycle.
Independent processes that might overlap.
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Sep 13, 2023
Starting and Ending
Always start and end together.
Might start or end at different times.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
General Perception
Perfect alignment in time.
Merely occurring together over a period.
Elijah
Sep 13, 2023
Simultaneous vs. Concurrent Definitions
◉Simultaneous
Existing or transpiring as a coordinated whole.
The simultaneous changes in the company's policies baffled the employees.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
Happening or done at the same time or period.
The concurrent meetings meant he had to choose which one to attend.
Henry
Sep 05, 2023
◉Simultaneous
Operating or functioning at the same fixed rate.
The machines operated in simultaneous harmony.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
In alignment with or parallel to.
The roads ran concurrent for several miles before diverging.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Simultaneous
Describing two or more events that coincide perfectly in time.
The simultaneous ringing of the bells in every house announced the celebration.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
Joint or shared.
They had concurrent responsibilities in the project.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Simultaneous
Done or existing together without any delay or gap.
The musicians gave a simultaneous performance in different cities using technology.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
Happening, existing, or done at the same time as something else
dealing with concurrent crises.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Simultaneous
Occurring at the exact same moment.
The simultaneous launch of the rockets was a sight to behold.
Olivia
Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
Meeting or tending to meet at the same point; convergent
concurrent lines.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Being in accordance; harmonious
Are these decisions concurrent with university policy?.
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May 03, 2023
◉Simultaneous
(Mathematics) Containing variables for which there are values that can satisfy all the equations
simultaneous equations.
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Acting in conjunction; agreeing in the same act or opinion; contributing to the same event or effect.
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May 03, 2023
◉Simultaneous
Existing, happening, or done, at the same time; as, simultaneous events.
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects.
the concurrent jurisdiction of courts
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May 03, 2023
◉Simultaneous
occurring or operating at the same time;
a series of coincident events
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Running alongside one another on parallel courses; moving together in space.
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Designed to run independently, rather than sequentially, using various mechanisms, such as threads, event loops or time-slicing.
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
One who, or that which, concurs; a joint or contributory cause.
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May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
One pursuing the same course, or seeking the same objects; hence, a rival; an opponent.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Joint and equal in authority; taking cognizance of similar questions; operating on the same objects; as, the concurrent jurisdiction of courts.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
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May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
occurring or operating at the same time;
a series of coincident events
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Concurrent
Operating or occurring in conjunction with another.
There were concurrent art exhibitions at the museum.
William
Sep 05, 2023
◉Concurrent
Overlapping in duration.
The artist held concurrent shows in New York and Los Angeles.
Henry
Sep 05, 2023
Simultaneous vs. Concurrent Frequently Asked Questions
How does "simultaneous" differ in technology contexts?
In technology, especially computing, simultaneous often means actions occurring in the exact same processing cycle.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Which term speaks more to precision of timing?
Simultaneous emphasizes exact synchrony and precision.
Nolan
Sep 13, 2023
Are simultaneous events always concurrent?
Yes, simultaneous events, by nature of occurring at the same time, are always concurrent.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Can concurrent events be non-simultaneous?
Yes, concurrent events can overlap in time without being precisely simultaneous.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Is "concurrent" used in legal contexts?
Yes, in legal terms, concurrent sentences are those served at the same time, regardless of individual start or end times.
Kaitlyn
Sep 13, 2023
Does "concurrent" only describe two events?
No, concurrent can describe multiple events happening over the same general time frame.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
Can two events be slightly off in timing but still be called simultaneous?
No, simultaneous implies exact alignment in time.
Levi
Sep 13, 2023
How does "concurrent" relate to overlap?
Concurrent describes events that overlap in duration, even if they don't start or end together.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 13, 2023
What's a simple way to remember the difference?
Think of simultaneous as "at the same second" and concurrent as "overlapping."
William
Sep 13, 2023
Do simultaneous events need to end at the same time?
Yes, for events to be truly simultaneous, they must start and end at the exact same moment.
Elijah
Sep 13, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
