The phrase "year of our Lord" is typically spelled as "anno Domini" in Latin. The pronunciation of the phrase in English is /ˈænoʊ ˈdɒmɪnaɪ/. The first syllable is pronounced as "an" (short "a" sound) followed by "no" (long "o" sound). The second word is pronounced as "dom" (short "o" sound) followed by "ini" (long "i" sound). This phrase is commonly used in reference to the Christian calendar, which designates the years from the birth of Jesus Christ as year one.
"Year of our Lord" is a phrase commonly used in Christian dating systems and historical documents, referring to the numbering of years relative to the birth of Jesus Christ. The term is rooted in the Latin phrase "Anno Domini," meaning "in the year of the Lord." As the Christian tradition grew, it became customary to mark the passage of time by dividing history into two distinct eras: "Before Christ" (BC), and "Anno Domini" (AD). The latter is sometimes followed by the abbreviation "CE" (Common Era), but the original meaning remains unchanged.
When the term "Year of our Lord" is added to a date, typically in formal or legal documents, it signifies that the given year is being counted from the assumed birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians consider to be the "Lord." For instance, "October 15, 2022, in the Year of our Lord" indicates that this specific date falls within the Christian calendar, specifically the period following the birth of Christ.
While the usage of "Year of our Lord" is primarily religious in nature, it has become deeply ingrained in historical records, legal documents, and official chronologies around the world. Nevertheless, alternative dating systems, such as the "BCE" (Before Common Era) and "CE" designations, have gained popularity to accommodate different cultural and religious perspectives.