centenary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "centenary" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the 100th anniversary of an event or the completion of a century. Example: "The town is planning a grand celebration for its centenary next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During a special mass to mark the centenary of the mass killing, the pontiff referred to "three massive and unprecedented tragedies" of the past century.

The Guardian

This year's Rite of Spring centenary has certainly unleashed a flood of tribute performances.

The Guardian

The WI, which this year turns 100 and will see the Queen attend its centenary annual meeting on Thursday, typically conjures the image of older women knitting in village halls, rather than 20-somethings doing self-defence classes and meeting in bars to get tips from financial advisers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When we met again, in 1991, Cliburn was rehearsing for the opening concert of Carnegie Hall's centenary celebrations.

The Guardian - Music

But after, Consuelo's own centenary will be celebrated with a French film of her life, scheduled to begin shooting in the autumn.

The Guardian - Books

Despite widespread viewer fatigue about Anzac centenary programming this year, when Anzac Day came along, people not only turned up to events in record numbers but they were very keen to watch the day as it unfolded on TV.

The Guardian

"The centenary has heightened interest in all things that relate to our military history.

The Guardian

Paul Bell, a stock controller in Thorntons' toffee department, came up with the idea to celebrate the centenary and said creating it was no mean feat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We recall the centenary of that tragic event, that immense and senseless slaughter whose cruelty your forebears had to endure.

The Guardian

The Google Trekker project is the result of a collaboration between Linblad Expeditions and National Geographic to commemorate the centenary of Shackleton's extraordinary expedition.

The Guardian - Travel

The manager has certainly given his club plenty to celebrate in its centenary year, leading his team at one point on a 17-game unbeaten run, before eventually steering them to sixth place.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "centenary", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being commemorated or celebrated. For clarity, specify the event or organization reaching its 100th anniversary.

Common error

Avoid using "centenary" when referring to a 200th anniversary. "Centenary" specifically denotes a 100-year milestone. Use "bicentennial" for 200 years.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "centenary" is to act as a noun or adjective describing a 100th anniversary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to mark events or periods completing a century.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "centenary" is a versatile term used to denote a 100th anniversary, functioning as both a noun and an adjective. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science publications. When using "centenary", clarity is key: specify the event or organization reaching its 100th anniversary to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "100th anniversary" and "centennial", with "centenary" being favored in British English. Be mindful not to confuse it with "bicentennial", which refers to a 200th anniversary. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively and accurately use the word "centenary" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

100th anniversary

Replaces "centenary" with a more explicit and common phrase.

Hundredth year

Focuses on the specific year marking 100 years.

Centennial celebration

Highlights the celebratory aspect of the 100-year mark.

Century mark

A more concise way to refer to the completion of a century.

100-year anniversary

More descriptive, specifying the length of time.

Jubilee of a century

Emphasizes a celebratory milestone of a century.

Commemoration of 100 years

Focuses on remembering or honoring an event after 100 years.

A century of existence

Emphasizes the duration of something's existence.

Completion of a hundred years

Describes the act of reaching the 100-year milestone.

10 decades milestone

Rephrases "centenary" by referencing the amount of decades.

FAQs

How is the word "centenary" typically used?

The word "centenary" is typically used to denote a 100th anniversary or the completion of a century. It's often used in contexts like "the centenary of the First World War" or "the company's centenary celebrations".

What words can I use instead of "centenary"?

You can use alternatives like "100th anniversary", "centennial", or "hundredth year" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "centenary" and "centennial"?

While both terms refer to a 100-year period or anniversary, "centenary" is more commonly used in British English, while "centennial" is more prevalent in American English. They are often interchangeable.

How do I use "centenary" in a sentence?

You might say, "The museum is hosting a special exhibition to mark the centenary of the artist's birth." Alternatively, "The organization is planning a year-long series of events for its centenary.".