anthropocene: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “anthropocene” mean?
The proposed current geological epoch, marked by significant and lasting human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The proposed current geological epoch, marked by significant and lasting human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.
A term used conceptually to describe the period of time during which human activities have become the dominant influence on the planet's climate and environment, often discussed in contexts of sustainability, ethics, and global change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. Both regions use the term identically.
Connotations
Similar academic and environmentalist connotations. In public discourse, it may carry slightly stronger associations with climate activism in UK English.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and environmental discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “anthropocene” in a Sentence
[Noun] of the Anthropocenetransition into the Anthropocenedebate over the AnthropoceneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anthropocene” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Anthropocene pressures are reshaping coastal policy.
- This is a classic Anthropocene dilemma.
American English
- Anthropocene impacts are evident in the sediment record.
- We need Anthropocene-informed urban planning.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in reports on sustainable investment or corporate environmental responsibility.
Academic
Very common in geology, environmental science, sociology, and philosophy.
Everyday
Uncommon. Mostly used by educated, environmentally conscious speakers.
Technical
Core term in earth system science and stratigraphy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anthropocene”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anthropocene”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anthropocene”
- Misspelling as 'anthropocene' (should be capitalised in formal writing).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'modern times' instead of its specific geological proposal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not officially ratified by the International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) as of the mid-2020s. It is a widely used proposed term.
Proposed start dates vary, often citing the mid-20th century (the 'Great Acceleration' of industry) or the dawn of agriculture. The mid-20th century, marked by radioactive fallout, is a leading candidate.
The Holocene is the current officially recognised epoch, beginning about 11,700 years ago after the last ice age. The Anthropocene is a proposal to designate a new epoch within or after the Holocene, where human influence is the dominant geological force.
Yes, though it's primarily a noun. Adjectival use (e.g., 'Anthropocene era', 'Anthropocene thinking') is common in academic and journalistic writing.
The proposed current geological epoch, marked by significant and lasting human impact on Earth's geology and ecosystems.
Anthropocene is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Anthropocene: in British English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəpəsiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈænθrəpəˌsin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Children of the Anthropocene”
- “to have an Anthropocene mindset”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ANTHROPO- (human) + -CENE (new/recent epoch). Think: 'The recent epoch defined by ANTHROPoids (humans).'
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANITY AS A GEOLOGICAL FORCE; THE EARTH AS AN ARCHIVE OF HUMAN IMPACT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of 'Anthropocene'?