Word
the 21st century
Definition
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.
Examples
“We live in the 21st century.”
“Many challenges of the 21st century, like climate change, require global cooperation.”
“Future historians will likely characterize the early 21st century by its rapid technological acceleration and profound social transformations.”
Examples
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.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/the-21st-century