Definition

1. Noun:

   • The 50th anniversary (or the celebration of it): A semicentenary is the event or celebration marking the passage of fifty years since a significant occurrence, such as the founding of an institution.

2. Adjective:

   • Of or relating to or marking the 50th anniversary: The word semicentenary describes something connected with a fiftieth anniversary.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The university is planning a grand semicentenary next year.
  • They published a special book for the company's semicentenary.

• Adjective:

  • The semicentenary celebrations will last a full week.
  • A semicentenary medal was struck to commemorate the occasion.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in formal or institutional contexts, such as for universities, cities, corporations, or long-running events.
• It can function attributively (before a noun) as an adjective, e.g., "a lecture series."

Variants and Related Words

• Semicentennial: This is a more common synonym with identical meanings for both the noun and adjective forms.
  • The town's semicentennial was marked by a parade.

Synonyms

• Noun: Jubilee (though "jubilee" can refer to other anniversaries, like silver or diamond).
• Adjective: Quinquagenary (a less common, more technical term).

Related Phrases

• To mark a semicentenary: To celebrate or observe a 50th anniversary.
  • The museum held an exhibition to mark its semicentenary.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or marking the 50th anniversary

Noun

1. the 50th anniversary (or the celebration of it)