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Periods Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'periods'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'period' originated from the Latin word 'periodus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'periodos', meaning 'a complete sentence.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to time, punctuation, and cycles.

See also: period, periodic, periodical, periodically.

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.