century
noun (countable)
UK/ˈsen.tʃər.i/US/ˈsen.tʃər.i/
A period of one hundred years; specifically, one of the numbered periods into which human history is divided, each running from a year ending in 00 to the next year ending in 99.
Example Sentences
A century is defined as a span of one hundred years.
The 20th century was one of the most transformative periods in modern history.
People often categorize historical events by century to create a clear timeline.
That old church has stood for over a century, surviving wars and cultural shifts.
In the 17th century, groundbreaking scientific discoveries fundamentally altered society’s view of the cosmos.
Many historians study each century to track the evolution of technology and social structures.
Spanning from the year 1901 to 2000, the 20th century witnessed two world wars, the rise and fall of ideological empires, and technological advancements that reshaped daily life worldwide.
Scholars often divide history into centuries as a convenient framework, allowing them to analyze patterns in economics, governance, and cultural expression across distinct blocks of time.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A period of one hundred years.The noun 'century' is used to denote a span of one hundred years, often in reference to historical periods, timeframes, or durations. It is commonly used to categorize events, developments, or cultural changes that occur over such an extensive period. For example, 'The 20th century saw significant advancements in technology and medicine,' highlights a historical timeframe. In addition to its primary meaning, 'century' can be used metaphorically to indicate longevity or significant time spans in various contexts. For instance, one might say, 'He has been working at the company for a century,' to emphasize a long duration, though this is typically used in a hyperbolic or humorous manner. When using 'century,' it's important to consider whether you are referring to a specific century in history (e.g., the 19th century) or using it more generally to denote a hundred-year period. Additionally, 'century' can be part of idiomatic expressions, such as 'a century of progress,' to underscore sustained development over a long time. Understanding the context in which 'century' is used will ensure that your usage is accurate and effectively conveys the intended timeframe or duration.
Alternatives
Alternatives to 'century' depend on the context in which it is used. When referring to a period of one hundred years, 'hundred years' can be used as a direct alternative, though it is less formal. In historical contexts, you might specify the particular century by its ordinal number, such as 'the 19th century' or 'the 21st century,' to provide more precise information. In some cases, especially in casual conversation, phrases like 'a hundred years' or 'a century's time' can replace 'century.' Additionally, in literary or poetic contexts, 'century' might be replaced with terms like 'a long span' or 'a hundred-year period' to fit the desired tone or rhythm. For instance, instead of saying 'Over the centuries,' one could say 'Over the hundred-year span' for clarity. When discussing durations in more technical or scientific settings, specifying the exact time frame, such as 'a century-long study,' can provide clarity and precision. While synonyms like 'century' often convey the exact meaning of a hundred-year period, selecting the appropriate alternative depends on the formality, specificity, and stylistic needs of your communication. Therefore, understanding the nuances of each alternative ensures that the chosen word aligns with the intended message and context.
Writing
Incorporating the word 'century' into your writing can add depth and temporal context, especially when discussing historical events, cultural shifts, or long-term trends. Here are key takeaways for effectively using 'century' in various writing styles:
1. **Historical Context**: Use 'century' to frame historical narratives. For example, 'The Renaissance, spanning the 14th to the 17th century, marked a period of renewed interest in art and science.' This provides readers with a clear timeframe and situates events within a broader historical landscape.
2. **Academic Writing**: In scholarly articles or research papers, 'century' can help specify the period under study. For instance, 'This study examines the economic policies of the 20th century and their impact on modern markets.' It aids in defining the scope and focus of your analysis.
3. **Descriptive Writing**: When describing changes over time, 'century' can emphasize the duration and significance of transformations. For example, 'Over the past century, technological advancements have revolutionized communication.' This highlights the long-term nature of progress.
4. **Metaphorical Use**: 'Century' can be used metaphorically to stress the magnitude or significance of an event or trend. For instance, 'The discovery was a century-defining moment in the field of medicine,' conveys the profound impact of the discovery.
5. **Comparative Analysis**: Compare different centuries to analyze shifts and patterns. For example, 'The artistic styles of the 18th and 19th centuries show distinct evolutions in response to societal changes.' This helps in drawing contrasts and understanding development over time.
6. **Precision and Clarity**: Ensure that when using 'century,' the context makes it clear whether you are referring to a specific century or using it more generally. For example, 'century' vs. 'the 21st century' where the latter provides specificity.
7. **Consistency in Terminology**: Maintain consistency when referring to centuries, especially when using ordinal numbers. For instance, 'the 20th century' should be consistently referred to in that format throughout your text to avoid confusion.
By thoughtfully integrating 'century' into your writing, you can effectively convey timeframes, emphasize long-term trends, and provide historical context, thereby enhancing the richness and clarity of your content.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, the word 'century' is often used to discuss time spans, history, or to emphasize long durations. Here are some key takeaways for using 'century' in casual speech:
1. **Talking About Time**: You might use 'century' to describe long periods, often in a hyperbolic sense. For example, 'I’ve been waiting for this movie to come out for a century!' This emphasizes your eagerness or frustration humorously.
2. **Historical Discussions**: When chatting about history, 'century' helps specify when events took place. For instance, 'The Great Depression happened in the 20th century,' clearly places the event in a particular timeframe.
3. **Expressing Longevity**: To highlight how long something has existed, you could say, 'That family business has been around for over a century,' indicating its long-standing presence.
4. **Pop Culture References**: 'Century' can come up when discussing trends or changes over time. For example, 'Fashion has changed so much over the past century,' reflecting on how styles have evolved.
5. **Emphasizing Importance**: Use 'century' to stress the significance of something. For instance, 'This invention was a game-changer for the century,' highlighting its impact.
6. **Casual Comparisons**: You might compare different centuries in a light-hearted way, such as, 'Living in the 21st century is so different from the 19th century,' to illustrate changes in society or technology.
7. **Educational Conversations**: When talking with friends or family about learning topics, you might use 'century' to describe periods you're studying. For example, 'I'm reading about the Renaissance in the 16th century,' which helps clarify the period you're interested in.
Remember, in casual conversations, 'century' can add a sense of duration or historical context, making your discussions more informative and engaging. Whether you're talking about history, expressing how long something has been happening, or emphasizing a point, 'century' is a versatile term that can enhance your everyday speech.
Etymology
The word 'century' has its origins in the Latin term 'centuria,' which referred to a group of one hundred soldiers in ancient Rome. This term is derived from 'centum,' meaning 'one hundred.' Over time, 'century' evolved to denote a period of one hundred years, expanding beyond its original military context.
Historically, 'century' has been used to categorize and organize historical events, allowing for a structured understanding of the passage of time. For example, historians refer to 'the 18th century' or 'the 21st century' to specify particular timeframes in their analyses. This usage has been integral in the study of history, enabling clearer communication and comparison of events across different periods.
The concept of dividing time into centuries became more prominent during the Middle Ages, as societies sought to record and make sense of historical timelines. The adoption of the Gregorian calendar further standardized the use of centuries in documenting and referencing years.
In addition to its chronological use, 'century' has found its place in various idiomatic expressions and cultural references. Phrases like 'a turn of the century' signify the transition from one century to the next, often marking significant changes or milestones. Moreover, in sports, particularly in cricket, 'century' refers to a batsman scoring one hundred runs, symbolizing a notable achievement.
An interesting fact about 'century' is its use in different languages and cultures, where similar terms exist with comparable meanings. For instance, the French word 'siècle' and the Spanish 'siglo' both translate to 'century,' reflecting the widespread adoption of the concept across linguistic boundaries.
Understanding the etymology of 'century' highlights its deep-rooted connection to the idea of completeness and wholeness, symbolized by the number one hundred. This connection underscores the word's significance in both historical documentation and contemporary usage, illustrating how a term can evolve from a specific military unit to a fundamental unit of time measurement.