centennial
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /sɛnˈtɛn.i.əl/
KK: /sɛnˈtɛn.i.əl/
adjective
Definition
Something that happens every 100 years or relates to a 100th anniversary.
Example
The town held a centennial celebration to mark its 100th year.
Conversation
Did you hear about the centennial celebration happening next year?
Yeah, I read about it! It sounds like a big event.
I can't wait to see all the activities they have planned for the centennial.
Same here! It'll be exciting to be part of such a historical moment.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
hundredth
centenary
centurial
Antonyms
annual
decadal
biennial
noun
Definition
A celebration or event that marks the 100th anniversary of something.
Example
The town held a grand festival to celebrate its centennial.
Conversation
Did you hear about the centennial celebration next month?
Yeah, it sounds like a big deal!
I can't believe it's been a hundred years already.
Root Explanation
Centennial is formed from "cent" (from Latin "centum", meaning one hundred) and "-ennial" (from Latin "annus", meaning year). The word refers to a period of one hundred years.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cent' meaning one hundred and '-ennial' relating to years — that's why a centennial is a celebration of one hundred years.
Visually Confused Words
bicentennial
tricentennial
tercentennial
octennial
semicentennial
quincentennial
octocentennial
vigentennial