anno domini: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “anno domini” mean?
In the year of our Lord.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In the year of our Lord; used to indicate years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
Used more broadly as an abbreviation (AD) to date events in the Common Era; also used humorously or metaphorically to refer to someone being old or outdated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical. The abbreviation 'AD' is universally used in both regions for dates. The full phrase is rare in speech.
Connotations
Formal, academic, or historical in its primary sense; humorous or slightly informal when used metaphorically.
Frequency
The abbreviation 'AD' is common in historical and religious writing. The full Latin phrase is used for emphasis or in very formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “anno domini” in a Sentence
[Year] ADAD [Year]the phrase 'anno domini'Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anno domini” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- The battle occurred anno domini 1066.
American English
- The document was dated anno domini 1776.
adjective
British English
- He's starting to feel a bit anno domini these days.
American English
- That software is looking positively anno domini.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except possibly in formal company histories.
Academic
Common in history, archaeology, theology, and classics for dating events.
Everyday
Rare in full form; 'AD' is used when discussing dates pre-1000 AD.
Technical
Used in historical and religious studies as a precise dating system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anno domini”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anno domini”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anno domini”
- Placing AD before the number (e.g., 'AD 1066' is correct; '1066 AD' is also correct but less common in UK style).
- Writing 'A.D.' with periods is an older style.
- Using it for years before Christ (use BC instead).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In formal British writing, it is often placed before the year (AD 1066). In American English and less formal contexts, it can follow (1066 AD). Both are understood.
CE stands for 'Common Era'. It is a secular alternative to AD, used to avoid religious reference. The year numbers are identical (2024 AD = 2024 CE).
Yes, humorously or informally. Saying someone 'is a bit anno domini' or 'is feeling their anno domini' means they are acting or feeling old.
No, it is redundant because 'AD' means 'in the year of our Lord'. The correct forms are 'AD 500' or simply '500' if the context is clear.
In the year of our Lord.
Anno domini is usually formal in register.
Anno domini: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanəʊ ˈdɒmɪnaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænoʊ ˈdɑːmɪni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “feeling one's anno domini (humorous: feeling old)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Anno Domini sounds like 'anno' (year) 'domini' (of the Lord). Think: "A New Date Of My Infinite Saviour" as a way to remember it starts the Christian calendar.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LINE MARKED BY EVENTS (the birth of Christ is the central point).
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct placement of 'AD' in modern formal British English?