common era

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The term "Common Era" (often abbreviated as CE) refers to a time period in history that starts with the year 1, which is believed to be the year of the birth of Jesus Christ. It is often used by historians and writers as a way to describe dates without explicitly referring to Christianity.

Explanation in Simple Terms:

• What it Means: Common Era is a way of counting years that begins with the year 1 and goes forward (1 CE, 2 CE, 3 CE, etc.). It is similar to what is sometimes called AD (Anno Domini), which also means "in the year of our Lord" in Latin.
• Why Use It: Some people prefer to use "Common Era" instead of "AD" because it is more neutral and can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "Common Era" when you want to talk about dates in history without mentioning Christianity. For example:
  • "The Roman Empire fell in the 5th century CE."

Example:

• Simple Example: "The invention of the printing press happened in the 15th century CE."
• More Detailed Example: "Many important events, such as the Renaissance, occurred during the Common Era."

Advanced Usage:

• In academic writing, "Common Era" is often used in discussions about history, archaeology, and anthropology to provide a secular context for historical timelines.
• Example: "The Common Era is characterized by significant advancements in science and technology."

Word Variants:

• Before Common Era (BCE): This is used to refer to years before the year 1. For example, 500 BCE means 500 years before the Common Era.
• Common Era vs. Anno Domini (AD): While AD is specifically tied to Christian beliefs, CE is a more inclusive term.

Different Meanings:

• In a broader sense, "Common Era" can also refer to the current period of human history, emphasizing shared human experiences and developments.

Synonyms:

• AD (Anno Domini): While not a direct synonym, it is used in a similar context but is more religiously oriented.
• Modern Era: This can sometimes refer to the same time frame, but it can also extend beyond the Common Era.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "Common Era," but you might hear phrases like "in modern times" or "in recent history," which can refer to the same period.

Summary:

"Common Era" is a neutral way to refer to the time period starting from the year 1, used widely in history and academia.

Academic

Adverb

1. of the period coinciding with the Christian era; preferred by some writers who are not Christians
   • in 200 CE

Noun

1. the time period beginning with the supposed year of Christ's birth

Synonyms

• CE
• C.E.
• Common Era
• Christian era
• Common era