Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
bce
abbreviation
[biː siː ˈiː]
Definition
Before Common Era; a secular term used to denote years before the year 1 CE.
Examples
- The year 500 BCE marks a significant period in ancient history.
- Many ancient civilizations, such as those in Egypt or Mesopotamia, existed long before 1 BCE.
- Philosophical ideas from 300 BCE can still be influential today.
Meaning
The abbreviation BCE refers to years that occurred before the starting point of the Common Era, which is used in the Gregorian calendar. It is commonly used in historical contexts.
Synonyms
- BC (Before Christ)
- Before the Common Era
