centenary - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
centenary Word Meanings
- a 100th anniversary
- a period of 100 years
- a celebration marking 100 years of an event
centenary Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
centenary Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/sɛnˈtɛn.əri/
US
/sɛnˈtɛn.ɚ.i/
centenary Word Etymology
Root decomposition: cent- (hundred) + -enary (pertaining to) from Latin. Historical origin: from Latin 'centum' (hundred) → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a grand celebration with balloons and decorations marking a hundred years of history, with people gathering to honor past events.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Centenary is a noun describing the 100th anniversary of an event, organization, or era. It can refer to the milestone itself or to a span of about a hundred years since its origin. In practice, people talk about a centenary celebration, a centenary edition, or a centenary year as a formal, commemorative occasion. The term often appears in history, journalism, and formal writing, and it is commonly used in more ceremonial contexts. Note that centenary is distinct from century, which refers to a longer time period, and from centennial, a closely related form that is more common in American English. The word marks a milestone worth reflecting on, inviting speeches, exhibitions, and retrospective programs.
Usage Reminders
- Centenary = 100th anniversary of something.
- Use with events, institutions, or eras.
- Do not use centenary to mean a simple 100-year duration; use century.
- Plural: centenaries.
- Common collocations: centenary celebration, centenary year, centenary edition.
Common Misconceptions
- Centenary and centennial are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Centenary means a simple 100-year duration.
- Centenarian and centenary refer to the same thing.
- Centenary is never used in everyday speech.
- All 100th anniversaries are called centenaries.
Thinking Differences
Centenary is a formal, commemorative term in English. Learners may think it always means a 100-year time span, or confuse it with century. English often uses centenary in official speeches or history articles, while in everyday speech many would opt for century or the American 'centennial'.
Learning Tips
- Memorize that centenary equals the 100th anniversary.
- Pair centenary with events and institutions: centenary celebration, centenary year.
- Keep straight the difference with century (period) and centennial (variant).
- Use in formal writing or speeches for commemorations.
- Learn the plural: centenaries (not centennials in traditional usage).
- Practice pluralization and common collocations like 'in its centenary year'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'centenary'?
A.A type of financial investment
B.A period of one hundred years
C.A celebration of a person's birthday
D.A method of teaching
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'centenary' correctly.
A.The centenary of the world war was marked by a large parade.
B.She celebrated her centenary by going to the movies.
C.They discussed the centenary of the new painting in the gallery.
D.He prepared a centenary-themed dish for dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'centenary'?
A.Festival
B.Today
C.Bicentennial
D.Invention
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'centenary'?
A.Annual
B.Short-term
C.Decade
D.Centennial
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'centenary' is relevant?
A.This new product is being launched next week.
B.The community is planning a large event to honor its history from a hundred years ago.
C.He visited the museum to see modern art exhibitions.
D.They are organizing a monthly meeting for local artists.
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