student asking question

In the timeline, what's the main difference between "era," "age," and "epoch?"

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

An "epoch" is similar to an "era." They're both measurements of time marked by a distinct characteristic, although an "epoch" is considered longer than an "era." An "epoch" is also a set point in time, like a world-changing event or the zero date of a calendar. An "age" is a period of time that's more general than an "era." It's possible that these could be used interchangeably in conversation, as these differences sometimes feel too small. Ex: I wonder what it was like to live in the Tudor age. Ex: The Christian epoch was January 1st 754 from the foundation of Rome's city. But the Christian era is happening now throughout the world.

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