What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epoch
Example
The Renaissance was an epoch of great artistic and cultural achievements. [epoch: noun]
Example
The discovery of fire was a defining epoch in human history. [epoch: adjective]
period
Example
The Romantic period in literature was marked by a focus on emotion and individualism. [period: noun]
Example
The company experienced a period of growth and expansion in the early 2000s. [period: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Period is more commonly used than epoch in everyday language. Period is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while epoch is a more specific and formal term that is typically used in scientific or historical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epoch and period?
Epoch is a more formal term than period. It is typically used in scientific or historical contexts and has a serious connotation. On the other hand, period is a more neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
