Era Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⏳
era
[ˈɪrə ]
Definitions
in history
A period of time marked by distinctive character, events, or practices. An era is a span of time characterized by particular circumstances, events, or personages. It is often associated with a particular historical period, such as the Industrial Era or the Victorian Era.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| era |
Used to denote a long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.
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| period |
A length of time that is meaningful in a particular context, which is generally shorter and less distinct than an era or age.
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| age |
Refers to a distinct period in the history of humanity, often linked to culture, technology, or significant events.
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| epoch |
Used to describe a significant period in history or a person's life, typically marked by notable events or changes.
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Examples of usage
- The Renaissance era was known for its cultural and artistic achievements.
- The era of the Roman Empire left a lasting impact on Western civilization.
in fashion
A particular period in history or a distinctive style or fashion. It is often used to describe a trend or style that was popular during a specific time period.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| era |
Used to describe a significant period in history or in someone's life, usually marked by particular events, characteristics, or changes.
|
| fashion |
Describes popular styles or trends in clothing, accessories, and sometimes behavior, which are prevailing at a particular time.
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| style |
Refers to a particular way of doing or expressing something, which can pertain to clothing, art, writing, or any other form of expression.
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| trend |
Indicates the general direction in which something is developing or changing, often used in the context of social, economic, or fashion movements.
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Examples of usage
- The era of flapper dresses and jazz music in the 1920s.
- The grunge era of the 1990s brought a rebellious fashion sense.
in geology
A major division of geological time, typically longer than a period and shorter than an eon. Eras are defined by significant changes in Earth's geology and life forms.
Synonyms
epoch, geological period.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| era |
This is the same as the first 'era'.
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| geological period |
Use 'geological period' specifically for discussing divisions of geological time, often marked by notable changes in Earth's biological and geological conditions.
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| epoch |
Use 'epoch' in a more formal and scientific context to describe a notable period in history or the geological time scale.
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Examples of usage
- The Mesozoic Era is known for the dominance of dinosaurs.
- The Cenozoic Era is the current era, characterized by the rise of mammals.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Significance
- The Renaissance in Europe marked an era of renewed interest in art, science, and culture after the Middle Ages.
- The Industrial Era transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, significantly impacting society and the environment.
- Geologists identify different eras in Earth's history, such as the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic, each noted for unique life forms.
Cultural Impact
- Different eras in music, like the Baroque and Romantic periods, greatly influence composers and styles today.
- Fashion trends often signify an era, such as the Roaring Twenties, which is remembered for jazz, flapper dresses, and speakeasies.
- Cinema has also evolved through distinct film eras, from silent films to the contemporary digital era.
Scientific Applications
- In geology, an era represents significant intervals of time marked by major changes in Earth's geology or climate.
- Dating fossils often involves identifying the eras they belong to, helping scientists understand evolutionary timelines.
- Astronomers study cosmic eras to understand the development of the universe, from the Big Bang to the present.
Philosophical Concept
- The concept of an era often reflects societal values; for example, the Enlightenment Era emphasized reason and scientific exploration.
- In philosophy, discussions about what defines an era can lead to debates about progress and morality in human history.
- Many believe that recognizing different eras helps humanity learn from past mistakes and successes.
Origin of 'era'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'aera', meaning a specific period marked by events or changes.
- Initially, it signified an event that started a new time, later expanding to define any noteworthy period.
- The use of 'era' in English dates back to the late 14th century, showing its deep historical roots.
The word 'era' originated from the Latin word 'aera,' which means 'counters' or 'eras.' In ancient Rome, the term was used to refer to the principal method of counting years, using the AUC (Ab Urbe Condita) system. Over time, 'era' evolved to represent a distinct period of time with specific characteristics or events. The concept of eras has been fundamental in historical and geological studies to categorize and understand different phases of time.