Centenary vs. Centennial — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 16, 2024
Centenary and centennial both refer to a 100-year anniversary; centenary is more common in British English, while centennial is favored in American English.
Difference Between Centenary and Centennial
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Centenary is commonly used in British English to denote the 100th anniversary of a significant event, such as the founding of an institution or the birth of a notable figure. Whereas centennial is the term more frequently used in American English for similar commemorations.
Centenary celebrations often encompass a range of activities like exhibitions, publications, and public events designed to honor a century's legacy. On the other hand, centennial events are typically marked with ceremonies and commemorative events, particularly in the U.S., reflecting a strong sense of historical pride.
Centenary can be used as both a noun and an adjective, describing either the anniversary itself or something relating to a hundredth anniversary. In contrast, centennial is primarily used as a noun in American English, with the adjective form 'centennial' being less common.
Centenary appears in many formal and academic contexts, particularly within historical and educational institutions in the UK. Meanwhile, centennial is often associated with national celebrations in the U.S., such as the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.
The use of centenary in various parts of the Commonwealth reflects its adherence to British English norms, influencing the way anniversaries are marked in these regions. Conversely, centennial celebrations in the U.S. tend to emphasize American history and achievement, shaping national identity.
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Comparison Chart
Usage Frequency
Common in British English
Predominantly used in American English
Context
Academic, formal
National, celebratory
Form
Both noun and adjective
Primarily noun, sometimes adjective
Typical Celebrations
Exhibitions, publications
Large-scale national events, exhibitions
Associated Locations
UK, Commonwealth countries
United States
Compare with Definitions
Centenary
Pertaining to a period of 100 years.
The centenary edition of the classic novel includes forewords by famous authors.
Centennial
A 100th anniversary, especially of a significant event in American history.
The park will host a centennial celebration of the city's founding.
Centenary
A commemoration or celebration marking a centenary.
The town's centenary festivities will include a time capsule burial.
Centennial
A celebration that marks a centennial anniversary.
The centennial exhibition displayed artifacts from the early days of the institution.
Centenary
A 100th anniversary or celebration thereof.
The university will hold a series of lectures to celebrate its centenary.
Centennial
Connected with the 100-year anniversary of an event.
The committee is preparing for the centennial of the historic event.
Centenary
Relating to the completion of 100 years.
The centenary observations included reflections on changes over the past century.
Centennial
Occurring once every 100 years.
The organization plans a special project for its next centennial.
Centenary
Of or relating to a 100-year period.
Centennial
Pertaining to a century.
The centennial book highlighted key developments over the last hundred years.
Centenary
Occurring once every 100 years.
Centennial
Of or relating to an age or period of 100 years.
Centenary
A 100-year period.
Centennial
Occurring once every 100 years
A centennial commemoration.
Centenary
A centennial.
Centennial
Of or relating to a 100th anniversary.
Centenary
Of or related to the number one hundred, particularly
Centennial
A 100th anniversary or a celebration of it.
Centenary
Occurring every 100 years.
Centennial
Relating to, or associated with, the commemoration of an event that happened a hundred years before.
A centennial ode
Centenary
Lasting or aged 100 years, 100-year-old.
Centennial
Happening once in a hundred years.
A centennial jubilee
A centennial celebration
Centenary
Of or relating to hundreds, the administrative unit.
Centennial
Lasting or aged a hundred years.
Centenary
(obsolete) centurion: An officer commanding 100 men, especially (historical) in the Roman army.
Centennial
The hundredth anniversary of an event or happening.
Centenary
(obsolete) century: a period of 100 years.
Centennial
Relating to, or associated with, the commemoration of an event that happened a hundred years before; as, a centennial ode.
Centenary
Synonym of centennial: a hundredth anniversary.
Centennial
Happening once in a hundred years; as, centennial jubilee; a centennial celebration.
Centenary
(uncommon) hundredweight, especially (historical) in Greek and Roman contexts.
Centennial
Lasting or aged a hundred years.
That opened through long linesOf sacred ilex and centennial pines.
Centenary
(historical) centgrave: a position in the Frankish Empire overseeing local administration.
Centennial
The celebration of the hundredth anniversary of any event; a centenary.
Centenary
(historical) hundredman: a position in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms overseeing local administration.
Centennial
The 100th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Centenary
(obsolete) hundred: a collection of 100 things.
Centennial
Of or relating to or completing a period of 100 years;
Centennial celebration
Centenary
Synonym of centenarian: a person 100 or more years old.
Centenary
To celebrate the centennial of.
Centenary
Relating to, or consisting of, a hundred.
Centenary
Occurring once in every hundred years; centennial.
Centenary
The aggregate of a hundred single things; specifically, a century.
Centenary
A commemoration or celebration of an event which occurred a hundred years before.
Centenary
The 100th anniversary (or the celebration of it)
Common Curiosities
Why might a British institution prefer 'centenary' over 'centennial'?
It aligns with British English usage and tradition.
Can centenary be used as an adjective?
Yes, centenary can describe anything related to a 100th anniversary.
Are centenary celebrations different in different countries?
Yes, the nature of centenary celebrations can vary significantly between countries, influenced by local culture, history, and the event being commemorated.
What is a centenary?
A centenary is the 100th anniversary of an important event.
How is centennial different from centenary?
Centennial is typically used in American English, whereas centenary is more common in British English.
Can organizations celebrate a centenary or centennial?
Yes, organizations, whether they are businesses, non-profits, or governmental bodies, can celebrate centenaries or centennials marking 100 years since their establishment.
What kind of events might be called a centennial?
Major historical events or foundations in the U.S. often celebrate centennials.
How are centenary and centennial used in literature or media?
In literature and media, these terms are often used to set historical contexts or describe anniversaries of significant events that are pivotal to the plot or narrative.
What types of events are commonly commemorated with a centenary?
Events such as the founding of institutions, births of notable figures, or other significant historical milestones typically have centenary commemorations.
What are typical activities during a centennial celebration?
Typical activities include parades, historical reenactments, public speeches, and sometimes the issuance of commemorative stamps or coins.
Is there a specific way to celebrate a centennial?
While there's no specific way mandated, centennial celebrations often involve large, organized events that reflect on a century of history, progress, or existence.
What is the significance of celebrating a centenary or centennial?
These celebrations provide an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate achievements, and plan for the future, often strengthening a collective identity and historical continuity.
Can personal events have a centenary?
Personal milestones like the 100th birthday of an individual can also be referred to as a centenary.
How do schools and universities typically celebrate their centennial?
Schools and universities may host special academic conferences, alumni gatherings, and cultural events to mark their centennial.
How do governments typically recognize national centennials?
Governments might issue commemorative coins, host state functions, and support various cultural and historical projects to mark national centennials.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
