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century — meaning in English: century

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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'century' when discussing history, such as referring to events from the 20th century or the influence of the 19th century on modern life. It is common in academic settings, as well as in everyday conversations about cultural milestones and significant historical changes.
Synonyms & nuances
'Century' specifically denotes a period of one hundred years, often used in historical contexts. While 'era' or 'age' can refer to broader spans of time, 'century' provides a precise metric, making it essential when discussing specific historical timelines.
Culture
The word 'century' comes from the Latin word 'centuria', which means a group of one hundred. This term has been used to mark periods of one hundred years in the Gregorian calendar, helping societies organize historical events and significant achievements, such as art movements or scientific advancements, into easily digestible segments.
FAQ
Q.What does century mean?
'Century' refers to a period of one hundred years, often used in the context of history to categorize and discuss events and developments that occurred within that timeframe.
Q.How do you abbreviate century?
The common abbreviation for 'century' is 'c.' For example, the 21st century can be abbreviated as '21st c.'
Q.Is century used in other contexts?
'Century' is primarily used in historical and chronological contexts. It can also appear in discussions of sports, such as when a cricket player scores 100 runs, but this usage is more informal.
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