What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
eon
Example
It took eons for the mountains to form. [eon: noun]
Example
The universe has been expanding for eons. [eon: adverb]
epoch
Example
The Renaissance was a significant epoch in art 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?
Epoch is more commonly used than eon in everyday language, as it is more versatile and applicable to a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between eon and epoch?
Both eon and epoch have a formal connotation due to their technical and scientific origins, but epoch is more commonly used in everyday language and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.