Years: meaning, definitions and examples

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years

[ jɪərz ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

measurement

A period of 365 or 366 days, in the Gregorian calendar, divided into 12 months.

Synonyms

annum, time period.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
years	Used in general discussions about units of time, commonly to indicate the duration of something in terms of years. She spent five years studying for her degree The building was constructed over a period of ten years
time period	Used when referring to a specified duration which can vary in length and is not limited to years, often used in historical or literary contexts. The Renaissance was a remarkable time period in European history This book covers a time period of three decades
annum	Typically used in formal and financial contexts, usually to describe yearly occurrences or rates. The company’s revenue increased by 5% per annum The salary is $50,000 per annum

Word

Description / Examples

years

Used in general discussions about units of time, commonly to indicate the duration of something in terms of years.

She spent five years studying for her degree
The building was constructed over a period of ten years

time period

Used when referring to a specified duration which can vary in length and is not limited to years, often used in historical or literary contexts.

The Renaissance was a remarkable time period in European history
This book covers a time period of three decades

annum

Typically used in formal and financial contexts, usually to describe yearly occurrences or rates.

The company’s revenue increased by 5% per annum
The salary is $50,000 per annum

Examples of usage

He celebrated his 50th birthday last year.
In two years, she will graduate from college.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

age

The time it takes for the Earth to complete one full orbit around the sun, approximately 365.25 days.

Synonyms

age, time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
years	Similar to the first instance of 'years,' it is generally used to denote a length of time in terms of years. Often interchangeable with the first 'years' but may be contextually redundant in this list. She lived abroad for several years. Years of hard work finally paid off.
age	Refers to the specific number of years someone or something has been alive or in existence. Commonly used when talking about someone's life stage or maturity. At the age of 16, she got her first job. The age of the building was evident from its architecture.
time	A broad concept that can refer to the continuous progression of events from the past to the future. Often used when referring to a specific point or extended period in which something happens. It's time to go to bed. He dedicated much time to studying art.

Word

Description / Examples

years

Similar to the first instance of 'years,' it is generally used to denote a length of time in terms of years. Often interchangeable with the first 'years' but may be contextually redundant in this list.

She lived abroad for several years.
Years of hard work finally paid off.

age

Refers to the specific number of years someone or something has been alive or in existence. Commonly used when talking about someone's life stage or maturity.

At the age of 16, she got her first job.
The age of the building was evident from its architecture.

time

A broad concept that can refer to the continuous progression of events from the past to the future. Often used when referring to a specific point or extended period in which something happens.

It's time to go to bed.
He dedicated much time to studying art.

Examples of usage

She is ten years old.
As you get older, the years seem to pass more quickly.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

era

A particular period of time in history, especially one considered remarkable or noteworthy.

Synonyms

age, epoch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
years	Used to describe a period involving multiple calendar years or a long amount of time. I have been working here for five years. The tree took several years to grow this tall.
epoch	Used to describe a significant period in history or someone's life, characterized by notable events or changes. The Victorian era was an important epoch in British history. This discovery marked a new epoch in scientific research.
age	Used to refer to someone's or something's amount of time since birth or creation; also to describe specific historical periods. At the age of ten, she started learning piano. We are living in the age of technology.

Word

Description / Examples

years

Used to describe a period involving multiple calendar years or a long amount of time.

I have been working here for five years.
The tree took several years to grow this tall.

epoch

Used to describe a significant period in history or someone's life, characterized by notable events or changes.

The Victorian era was an important epoch in British history.
This discovery marked a new epoch in scientific research.

age

Used to refer to someone's or something's amount of time since birth or creation; also to describe specific historical periods.

At the age of ten, she started learning piano.
We are living in the age of technology.

Examples of usage

The Renaissance was a time of great art and discovery.
The early years of the 20th century were marked by rapid industrialization.

Translations

Translations of the word "years" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anos

🇮🇳 साल

🇩🇪 Jahre

🇮🇩 tahun

🇺🇦 роки

🇵🇱 lata

🇯🇵 年 (ねん)

🇫🇷 années

🇪🇸 años

🇹🇷 yıllar

🇰🇷 년 (nyeon)

🇸🇦 سنوات

🇨🇿 roky

🇸🇰 roky

🇨🇳 年 (nián)

🇸🇮 leta

🇮🇸 ár

🇰🇿 жылдар

🇬🇪 წლები (ts'lebi)

🇦🇿 illər

🇲🇽 años

Etymology

The word 'years' originated from the Old English word 'gear' which meant a cycle or a season. Over time, it evolved to refer to a period of 365 or 366 days, as we use it today in the Gregorian calendar. The concept of measuring time in years has been essential to human society for centuries, helping us track seasons, age, and historical periods.

See also: year, yearbook, yearly, yearn, yearned, yearning.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #62, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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59 then
60 those
61 must
62 years
63 where
64 through
65 new
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