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Periods: meaning, definitions and examples

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periods

 

[ˈpɪəriəd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at the end of a sentence

A period is a punctuation mark placed at the end of a declarative sentence to indicate a full stop or completion. It consists of a small dot placed vertically in the line of writing.

Synonyms

full stop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periods

Primarily used in American English to refer to the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

  • Make sure to put periods at the end of your sentences.
  • Periods are important in writing to help separate thoughts.
full stop

Primarily used in British English to denote the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

  • Don't forget to add a full stop after each sentence.
  • British English often prefers 'full stop' over 'periods'.

Examples of usage

  • The sentence ends with a period.
  • She always forgets to use periods in her emails.
Context #2 | Noun

a length of time

A period can also refer to a specific length of time, such as a historical era, a menstrual cycle, or a class period in school.

Synonyms

cycle, era.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periods

Refers to specific lengths of time in history or personal life, such as academic terms or historical epochs.

  • The medieval and Renaissance periods had distinct art and cultural characteristics.
  • During different periods of my life, I’ve lived in several countries.
era

Refers to a long and significant period of history characterized by particular events, developments, or figures.

  • The Victorian era was known for its strict social norms and rapid industrialization.
  • We might be entering a new era of technological advancements.
cycle

Describes a sequence of events that repeat in the same order, often used in science, education, and economics.

  • The water cycle is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
  • Every year, we go through a cycle of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Examples of usage

  • The Renaissance period was known for its artistic achievements.
  • She tracks her menstrual period on a calendar.
Context #3 | Noun

a frequency

In science and math, a period can refer to the time it takes for a cycle or wave to repeat itself.

Synonyms

cycle, frequency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
periods

Used to describe distinct intervals of time or phases in various contexts such as history, education, and menstrual cycles.

  • The Middle Ages was one of the most intriguing periods in European history.
  • She struggles with heavy periods each month.
cycle

Commonly used to describe a series of events that repeat regularly, often in scientific, environmental, or everyday contexts.

  • The water cycle is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
  • He realized he was stuck in a cycle of bad habits.
frequency

Often used in scientific and technical contexts to refer to the rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time.

  • The frequency of the sound waves determines the pitch of the noise.
  • She visits her hometown with surprising frequency.

Examples of usage

  • The period of a pendulum is determined by its length.
  • He calculated the period of the function.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'period' comes from the Greek word 'periodos,' meaning 'a passage' or 'a cycle.'
  • In English, the term has been used since the 14th century to refer to the completion of a thought.
  • In mathematics, the term can refer to cycles of repeating decimals, denoting limits of expression.

Linguistics

  • Periods are essential for clarity in writing, allowing readers to understand breaks in thoughts.
  • Different languages have variations of using periods or different symbols to indicate the end of a sentence.
  • In digital communication, the use of periods has changed, as people often forgo them in casual texts for brevity.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature, the choice of when to use a period can create dramatic pauses, affecting how a story is told.
  • Periods can reflect cultural norms; for example, they might be less used in poetic or artistic forms of expression.
  • The visual appearance of a period can vary widely in typography, where it may be emphasized or obscured based on font choice.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that periods can affect how people perceive the tone of a message, equating them with finality or seriousness.
  • The absence of a period in text messages can lead to interpretations of informality or emotional intimacy.
  • Studies show that punctuation, including periods, significantly impacts the understanding and retention of written information.

Education

  • Learning how to use periods is one of the first lessons in writing, aiding children in structuring sentences.
  • Teachers often emphasize the importance of punctuation, helping students improve their communication skills.
  • In writing, periods are crucial for maintaining the reader's rhythm, guiding them through complex thoughts.

Translations

Translations of the word "periods" in other languages:

🇵🇹 períodos

🇮🇳 अवधियाँ

🇩🇪 Zeiträume

🇮🇩 periode

🇺🇦 періоди

🇵🇱 okresy

🇯🇵 期間

🇫🇷 périodes

🇪🇸 períodos

🇹🇷 dönemler

🇰🇷 기간

🇸🇦 فترات

🇨🇿 období

🇸🇰 obdobia

🇨🇳 时期

🇸🇮 obdobja

🇮🇸 tímabil

🇰🇿 мерзімдер

🇬🇪 პერიოდები

🇦🇿 dövrlər

🇲🇽 períodos

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,595, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.