prep
Uncommon
circa
SUR-kuh
Circa (prep) means used before a date to mean "approximately" or "around", when the exact date isn't known. Example: “The painting was made circa 1650.”
prep
1
Used before a date to mean "approximately" or "around", when the exact date isn't known.
"The painting was made circa 1650."
"She was born circa 1890, according to the parish records."
How to use circa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word placed before a date to show it's an estimate, not exact — often abbreviated "c." or "ca."
Common pairings
circa 1900
built circa
dated circa
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like circa.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The painting was made _____ 1650.
Etymology
A direct borrowing from Latin circa, meaning "around" or "about".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
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.
