era
EER-uh
/ˈɪərə/
A long and distinct period of history with a particular feature or characteristic.
More commonly used in everyday speech than 'epoch'. Often associated with a specific leader or technology.
The story behind the word. Originally from the Latin 'aera', which were bronze counters used for calculations. In late Latin, it came to mean a 'number' or 'starting point for a calculation of time', eventually referring to the period itself.
Word relationships
- period: A more neutral term that doesn't necessarily imply a distinct character.
- age: Similar, but often used for broader spans like 'the Stone Age'.
Commonly confused with
- epoch: Eras are generally longer and defined by a mood or style; epochs are often defined by a specific event.
Collocations
- bygone era
- new era
- Victorian era
Idioms & expressions
- end of an era
Example sentences
- "The country enjoyed an era of unprecedented prosperity and peace under the new administration." Describing a period of peace.
- "The invention of the steam engine ushered in the era of industrialization." Technological shifts.
Memory hook
ERA = Every Remarkable Age. The name tag of a time period.
When not to use
Avoid using it for a period that lacks a defining characteristic.
Fun facts
- The 'Era of Good Feelings' was a specific period in U.S. history (1815–1825) marked by a sense of national purpose.
Related words
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