circa

Circa 1902, a family gathers for a portrait in their formal parlor.

Definition

1. Preposition:
   • Approximately (used with dates): "circa" indicates an approximate date or time period, often abbreviated as "c." or "ca." It is used when the exact date is unknown or not specified.

Usage Examples

• Preposition:
  • The manuscript was written circa 1450. (The manuscript was written around the year 1450.)
  • She was born circa 1920. (Her exact birth year is uncertain, but it was near 1920.)

Advanced Usage

• "circa" in academic contexts: "circa" is typically used in historical, archaeological, or scholarly writing to express uncertainty about a precise date.

  • The temple was constructed circa 300 BCE. (The temple was built around the year 300 before the Common Era.)

• "circa" with other time references: It can also be used with decades, centuries, or periods of time.

  • The artist flourished circa the 16th century. (The artist was active around the 16th century.)

Variants and Related Words

• Circa (abbreviation): c. or ca. (commonly written as "c." or "ca." in notes and citations).
  • The event occurred c. 1066. (The event happened around the year 1066.)

Synonyms

• Approximately: about; roughly.
  • The building was erected approximately 1900. (The building was built around 1900.)
• Around: in the vicinity of a specific time.
  • He died around 1800. (His death occurred near the year 1800.)
• About: nearly; close to.
  • The document dates from about 1750. (The document is from near 1750.)

Related Idioms

• "circa" is not used in idioms; it is a formal preposition primarily used in writing and scholarly contexts. For informal speech, "around" or "about" is preferred.

Phrasal Verbs

• No phrasal verbs: "circa" is a preposition and does not combine with verbs to form phrasal verbs.