ERA

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈɪə.rə/

Phonetic: EH-rah

Definitions

• A period of time in history or a person's life, typically marked by notable events or characteristics.
• The period of time associated with a particular activity, event, or person.
• A unit of geological time, commonly used to describe a major division of Earth's history.

Usage Examples

• The Victorian era is known for its distinctive cultural and social norms.
• She lived in an era when women were expected to stay at home.
• The discovery of penicillin marked the beginning of a new era in medicine.

Etymology

From Latin "aera," meaning "a period of time," derived from "aer" meaning "air" or "era." The term evolved to represent a significant period or epoch in history.

Synonyms

• Period
• Epoch
• Age
• Span
• Timeframe

Antonyms

• Instant
• Moment
• Minute
• Second

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈɪə.rə/
• British English: /ˈɪə.rə/
• Australian English: /ˈɪə.rə/

Historical Usage

The term "era" has been used in English since the 14th century, originally meaning a specific point in time or a fixed date from which a new period is reckoned, especially in historical and scientific contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the concept of an "era" is often tied to major historical or social changes, such as the Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, or the Information Age. An "era" can also carry cultural weight in religious contexts, like the Christian era, marking the years after the birth of Jesus Christ.

More Information

The concept of an era is central to understanding historical timelines and the categorization of significant events or movements in human history. Eras are used in various fields, such as geology, history, and cultural studies, to divide time into manageable, meaningful periods. In some cases, an era marks the rule or reign of a monarch or the flourishing of a particular movement, such as the "Victorian Era" or the "Classical Era." The term "era" serves to help categorize and interpret the past, offering insight into how societies evolve over time.