ENGLISH
REFERENCE

the 21st century

compound.
A1 Beginner Oxford

compound. The period of time from the year 2001 to 2100. We are living in the 21st century right now.

compound. The hundred-year period from 1 January 2001 to 31 December 2100 in the Gregorian calendar.


SIMPLE

We live in the 21st century.

CONTEXTUAL

Many challenges of the 21st century, like climate change, require global cooperation.

COMPLEX

Future historians will likely characterize the early 21st century by its rapid technological acceleration and profound social transformations.

Usage

Used to refer to the current hundred-year period, often to discuss modern trends or technology.

Teaching tip

Address the common confusion that the 21st century began on January 1, 2001, not in the year 2000, as there was no 'year zero'.

Pitfall

Life in 21st century is very different.Life in the 21st century is very different.The definite article 'the' is required before an ordinal number like '21st' when it names a specific century.

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