What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
century
Example
The 20th century saw many technological advancements. [century: noun]
Example
She lived to be over a century old. [century: adjective]
epoch
Example
The Renaissance is considered an epoch in European history. [epoch: noun]
Example
The invention of the internet marked a new epoch in communication. [epoch: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
In everyday language, century is more commonly used than epoch. Century is a familiar term that people use to refer to specific time periods, while epoch is more specialized and often used in academic or formal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between century and epoch?
While century is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, epoch is generally considered more formal and is frequently used in academic or scholarly discussions.
