Which statement about a retronym is correct?

Which statement about a retronym is correct?

• A. A retronym uses the original term after a newer version appears.
• B. A retronym is a synonym with variant spelling.
• C. A retronym is a name given to distinguish an older form when a newer version exists, e.g., 'acoustic guitar' after 'electric guitar.'
• D. A retronym is any term borrowed into another language.

Answer: (C)

A retronym is a name created to distinguish an older form after a newer version exists, by adding a descriptor to the original term. That’s why “acoustic guitar” after the rise of the electric guitar is the classic example: people needed a way to refer to the non-electric version once the electric one became common, so the older form got labeled with a new word to specify which guitar is meant. It isn’t simply using the original term after a newer version appears, because the retronym adds that new descriptor to distinguish the old form. It isn’t about synonyms with alternate spellings, since retronyms are about renaming to differentiate, not about spelling. And it isn’t about terms borrowed into another language.

A retronym is a name created to distinguish an older form after a newer version exists, by adding a descriptor to the original term. That’s why “acoustic guitar” after the rise of the electric guitar is the classic example: people needed a way to refer to the non-electric version once the electric one became common, so the older form got labeled with a new word to specify which guitar is meant.

It isn’t simply using the original term after a newer version appears, because the retronym adds that new descriptor to distinguish the old form. It isn’t about synonyms with alternate spellings, since retronyms are about renaming to differentiate, not about spelling. And it isn’t about terms borrowed into another language.