What does the term 'coeval' mean?

The term 'coeval' refers to things that exist or occur at the same time, meaning they are contemporary with each other. When something is described as coeval, it indicates that it originated during the same period as something else, sharing a time frame or era. This makes the choice of 'contemporary' the most accurate definition, as it directly aligns with the meaning of coeval in the context of time.

In contrast, 'subsequent' refers to events or things that follow another in time, which does not capture the essence of coevality. 'Ancient' conveys a notion of great age or being from the distant past, while 'obsolete' indicates something that is no longer in use or has fallen out of common practice. Both of these terms describe temporal relationships but do not fit the definition of coeval. Thus, 'contemporary' is the correct choice as it succinctly reflects the idea of beings existing simultaneously.