circa
0 antonyms and opposites of circa, grouped by meaning.
Prep — Used before a date to mean "approximately" or "around", when the exact date isn't known.
How to use circa
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
A direct borrowing from Latin circa, meaning "around" or "about".
Full origin of circa →Frequently asked questions
What does “circa” mean?
The word “circa” means used before a date to mean "approximately" or "around", when the exact date isn't known. In plain terms, a word placed before a date to show it's an estimate, not exact — often abbreviated "c." or "ca.".
How do you pronounce “circa”?
“Circa” is pronounced SUR-kuh (/ˈsɜɹ.kə/ in IPA).
How do you use “circa” in a sentence?
Here is “circa” used in a sentence: “The painting was made circa 1650.”
What part of speech is “circa”?
“Circa” is a preposition.
Where does the word “circa” come from?
The word “circa” comes from Latin. A direct borrowing from Latin circa, meaning "around" or "about".
Is “circa” a common word?
“Circa” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How is "circa" used with dates?
"Circa" is placed before a date to mean "approximately" or "around" when the exact date isn't known, as in "the painting was made circa 1750." It's commonly abbreviated as "c." in written text.
What is the difference between "circa" and "approximately"?
Both words signal an estimate, but "circa" is used specifically before dates or time periods, while "approximately" can be used before any measurement, including quantities or distances. Circa has a narrower, more specialized use than the general-purpose "approximately."
Is "circa" formal or informal?
"Circa" has a formal, academic register and appears most often in historical, archaeological, or scholarly writing where an exact date can't be confirmed. In casual conversation, "around" or "about" is used instead.