The 2 phrases, centurion and centenarian, sound comparable, however they’ve fairly totally different meanings.
A Roman officer accountable for about 100 troopers was referred to as a centurion, and the phrase additionally seems at present in sports activities, enterprise, and popular culture writing.
Then again, a centenarian all the time refers to somebody who has reached 100 years of age.
If you perceive the historical past, makes use of, and context of every phrase, it makes it simple to recollect the best way to use them accurately.
What’s the distinction between centurion and centenarian?
When you consider the phrase centurion, you most likely think about a Roman soldier carrying a tunic and a helmet with a crimson plume.
Because the phrase implies, a centurion in historical Rome commanded round 100 males. He was accountable for technique, management, and implementing strict self-discipline. They have been revered and sometimes celebrated for his or her bravery and ability.
At this time, the phrase has moved on, removed from the battlefield. In sport, a batter in cricket who scores 100 runs incessantly positive factors the title of centurion due to the concept of accomplishment that the quantity 100 holds.
In soccer (soccer), a participant who represents their nation in 100 matches can also be also known as a centurion.
The phrase centurion has additionally been coined to seek out its manner exterior of sport. For instance, in nature, The Guardian reported on a centurion tree.
“Many of the largest and tallest have been Eucalyptus regnans, generally referred to as mountain ash, together with a tree referred to as “Centurion”, measuring 96 metres…”
In finance, you’ll find the phrase describing authority or elite, similar to The American Categorical Centurion Card.
Nevertheless, centenarian is sort of uniquely appropriate to mark longevity and the milestone of somebody residing to have fun their a centesimal birthday.
The 2 phrases would possibly trigger confusion as a result of they sound comparable, however they’ve clearly distinct meanings.
Historical past and trendy utilization
The phrase centurion, in fact, has an extended historical past as a result of it dates again to the instances of historical Rome.
For hundreds of years, the phrase was carefully linked to the Roman military and management over round 100 troopers.
In English utilization, centurion appeared often in literature and historic accounts from the sixteenth century onward.
You’ll be able to see that utilization was fairly widespread between 1800 and 1920, when writers typically referred to Roman historical past in novels, essays, and even sermons.
Throughout this time interval, centurion was a well-recognized phrase in storytelling, schooling, and tradition.
Nevertheless, after round 1920, utilization declined. It maybe displays fewer references to Roman navy tradition in on a regular basis writing.
However from across the yr 2000, the phrase has seen a brand new resurgence.
This improve might be because of sports activities reporting, notably cricket and soccer, the place 100 has the sense of a major achievement.
Media protection of costly manufacturers and maybe popular culture references might have additionally contributed to the phrase’s revival.
In contrast, although, centenarian has been rather more secure in utilization over the identical timeframe.
Its use has slowly elevated as life expectancy has risen, and extra persons are turning 100 years of age.
Current many years, particularly, present a slight upward pattern within the frequency of use.
The utilization graph clearly exhibits the traits of use. Centurion had historic peaks and now a contemporary resurgence, whereas centenarian has been regular however continues to develop barely at present.
Is it confusion or a brand new utilization?
As a result of the phrases sound so comparable, they’re generally topic to misuse by way of misunderstanding.
It’s simple to see how a author would possibly select centurion once they actually imply centenarian, since each relate to the concept of 100.
Nevertheless, you may additionally say that the best way the English language works, altering the sense of a phrase or its acceptability, isn’t unusual.
Over time, meanings can shift and stretch, typically by error, however generally by design.
Listed below are some examples, and I’ll allow you to make up your thoughts whether or not they’re a mistake or intentional.
“The passing of time has carried out little to sluggish WA’s newest centurion, Alie Poepjes.” Supply
“Quick ahead 10 years and the now centurion (truly centenarian is the right time period) was in a position to head to William Hill and accumulate a really cool sum of £25,000!” Supply
“Learn how to dwell to be a centurion…however to not really feel it!” Supply
You may say that these examples are merely slips or poorly chosen vocabulary. However you may additionally say that they may replicate a slight change in use for centurion to imply an achievement or milestone. You’ll be able to see that within the admission within the second instance.
All the time remember that many phrases have modified or develop into acceptable, similar to card sharp changing into card shark as a standard variant, or actually being acceptable as a type of exaggeration.
Language adapts to how folks truly use it, not simply from how dictionaries outline phrases.
Is it acceptable to make use of centurion as a substitute for centenarian? Maybe it’s too quickly to say, however to me there’s some logic.
Conclusion
Clearly, centurion and centenarian share the frequent Latin root of centum, which means 100.
And sure, the meanings are completely totally different. One is for longevity and residing to be 100 years outdated, and the opposite originated due to the navy rank of commanding 100 troopers.
Whereas each phrases have had their place and proper utilization, it’s not unimaginable to suppose that the phrase centurion might develop into extra acceptable for denoting 100 in any endeavor.
Because the sporting world has carried out, it’s now acceptable to label individuals who have achieved milestones of 100 as centurions. Not due to the battle, however due to the quantity.
Language, and notably English, by no means stands nonetheless, with new phrases and new meanings for phrases occurring quickly yearly.
Whereas it might not be appropriate (but), there’s a logical argument that if reaching 100 in an endeavor like runs in cricket or video games performed in soccer defines a centurion, then why not embrace age?
I’ll depart that as a query so that you can reply.
Associated Studying: Arcane And Archaic Defined For Extra Correct Writing
Share This Article
Leave a Reply