Pronunciation: [ˈiːɒnz ɐɡˈə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "aeons ago" is often spelled with an "ae" instead of a regular "a". This is because "ae" is a diphthong, or a combination of two vowel sounds, in Greek and Latin. In IPA phonetic transcription, "ae" is pronounced as /iː/, which is the sound of the letter "E" in "sheep". Therefore, "aeons ago" is pronounced as /ˈiːɑnz əˈɡəʊ/ in IPA. So next time you come across this word, you'll know it's not a spelling mistake!
Aeons ago refers to a time period that is very distant or remote in the past. It is an expression used to denote an extremely long period of time that is difficult to quantify or comprehend. The word "aeon" originates from the Greek term "aiṓn" which signifies an indefinite span of time or eternity.
In a literal sense, "aeons ago" can be understood as many millions or billions of years in the past. The term often implies a timeframe so extensive that it predates the existence of humanity or even life on Earth. It suggests a period beyond historical or scientific records, when events or circumstances occurred long before current knowledge was available.
This expression can be employed to describe the ancient origins of celestial bodies, geological phenomena, or ancient myths and legends. For instance, one might speak of aeons ago in reference to the formation of stars and galaxies, the genesis of Earth's geological layers, or the emergence of species during the early stages of evolution.
"Aeons ago" is frequently used in storytelling and literature, particularly when recounting ancient legends, civilizations, or mythical creatures. It allows authors to evoke a sense of mystery, grandeur, or timelessness. Such accounts often evoke the imagination, inviting readers to imagine a universe far removed from our present-day reality.
The word "aeons" derives from the Greek word "aiṓn" (αιών), meaning "age" or "eon". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*aiw-", which had a similar meaning of "vital force" or "life". In English, "aeons" is a plural form of "aeon" and refers to an indefinite and vast period of time.
The term "ago" is derived from the Old English word "agone", which means "departed" or "past". It comes from the Proto-Germanic word "*agana-", which implies "gone by".
So when we say "aeons ago", we are referring to a very long time in the past, combining the Greek concept of an indefinite age with the Old English word for a departed or past time.
