What does tercentenary mean?
A tercentenary is a significant anniversary that marks the 300th year of an event, place, or person. It is a commemoration or celebration that is often marked with grand festivities and events. The word is typically used in formal or official contexts, such as in the context of a city's founding or a university's existence. Tercentenary is often confused with centenary or centennial, which refer to 100th or 100-year anniversaries, respectively. However, tercentenary is a distinct term that specifically refers to a 300th anniversary. It is a useful word for describing significant anniversaries and is often used in historical or cultural contexts. The word has a formal tone and is often used in official or academic contexts. It is a useful addition to one's vocabulary for describing significant anniversaries and events.
nounA tercentenary is a commemoration or celebration of the 300th anniversary of an event, place, or person.
- A commemoration or celebration of the 300th anniversary of an event, place, or person.
"The city will host a grand tercentenary festival to mark the 300th anniversary of its founding."
"The city will host a grand tercentenary festival to mark the 300th anniversary of its founding."
"The university will hold a tercentenary conference to celebrate its 300th year of existence."
Tercentenaries is the standard plural form of tercentenary, and is used to describe multiple 300th anniversaries.
"The city will host a series of tercentenaries to mark the 300th anniversary of its founding."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tercentenary
The word tercentenary comes from the Latin words 'ter' meaning 'three hundred' and 'centenary' meaning '100-year anniversary'. It was first used in the 17th century to describe a 300th anniversary. The word has since been adopted into various languages and is used to describe significant anniversaries around the world.
How tercentenary is actually used
Tercentenary is typically used to describe a commemoration or celebration of a 300th anniversary, and is often used in formal or official contexts.