What does bce mean in time Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbiːˌsiːˈiː/

Part of Speech

Abbreviation

Definition

An abbreviation for “Before Common Era,” a dating notation equivalent to BC (Before Christ), used to denote the years preceding the year 1 on the Gregorian calendar.

Examples

The ancient civilization flourished from 500 BCE to 300 BCE.
The historian used BCE to date the events in the book.

Synonyms

BC
Before Christ

Antonyms

CE (Common Era)
AD (Anno Domini)

Additional Information

The use of BCE is often preferred in academic and interfaith contexts, as it provides a neutral alternative to BC. BCE is commonly used in conjunction with CE (Common Era) to denote the years following the year 1 on the Gregorian calendar.

BCE is widely used in historical and archaeological contexts to date events and artifacts. It is also used in many academic fields, including history, anthropology, and sociology.

The use of BCE has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in online and digital media. This is partly due to the growing recognition of the need for inclusive and neutral language.

Etymology

The term BCE is derived from the Latin phrase “ante Christum natum,” meaning “before the birth of Christ.” The abbreviation BCE was first used in the 17th century as a neutral alternative to BC.

Usage Notes

BCE is commonly used in formal and academic contexts, particularly in historical and archaeological writing. It is also used in many online and digital media outlets.

When using BCE, it is essential to be consistent in its application. For example, if using BCE to denote the years preceding the year 1, it is best to use CE to denote the years following the year 1.

Cultural References

BCE has been referenced in various forms of media, including films, television shows, and books. It is often used to add historical accuracy and authenticity to a narrative.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

None

Related Words or Phrases

CE (Common Era)
BC (Before Christ)
AD (Anno Domini)

Collocations

500 BCE
the BCE era

Frequency of Use