YEARS Meaning and
Definition
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Years is the plural form of the noun "year," which refers to the period of time it takes for the Earth to complete one orbit around the sun, approximately 365.25 days. It is a unit of measurement used to quantify time and is widely recognized and utilized worldwide.
In the Gregorian calendar, which is the most commonly used calendar system, a year consists of 12 months, with each month varying in length from 28 to 31 days. Years are typically numbered sequentially, starting from a specific reference point such as the birth of Jesus Christ (AD/BC) or the establishment of a particular event in history (e.g., the founding of a country, a significant historical event).
Years are important for organizing and calculating time-related information, such as determining one's age, historical dating, or future planning. They are often subdivided into smaller units, such as decades (groups of ten years), centuries (groups of one hundred years), or millennia (groups of one thousand years), to provide a greater sense of perspective or context within the broader passage of time.
The concept of a year is not limited to human civilization as it is also observed in various natural phenomena, such as the growth and life cycles of plants and animals or the patterns found in celestial bodies. Understanding the concept of years is fundamental to the measurement and recording of time, enabling humans to navigate and comprehend the progression of events and the passage of history.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for YEARS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for YEARS
Etymology of YEARS
The word "years" can be traced back to the Middle English word "yer(e)" and the Old English word "gear". Both of these words are derived from the Proto-Germanic word "jǣran". In turn, "jǣran" comes from the Proto-Indo-European root "*yer-" meaning "to care for, tend". This root is also related to other words denoting the passing of time, such as "hour" and "yore".
Idioms with the word YEARS
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in/through all the years
The idiom "in/through all the years" refers to a long or extended period of time, depicting a sense of continuity or endurance. It emphasizes the passage of time and the events or experiences that have occurred over the years. It suggests that something has remained constant, witnessed and persevered through the various stages or changing circumstances throughout a significant period.
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twilight years
The idiom "twilight years" refers to the later years of a person's life, typically referring to the period of old age or the time nearing the end of one's life. It suggests a metaphorical twilight, symbolizing the approaching darkness or the fading away of one's vitality and energy.
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for a man/woman/person of his/her years
The idiom "for a man/woman/person of his/her years" can be defined as an expression used to describe someone who is still capable, active, or accomplished despite their advanced age. It emphasizes that the individual is exceptional or exceptional in comparison to others of the same age group.
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for years
The idiom "for years" means a long period of time, typically with the implication of it being a significant duration.
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put years on sb
The idiom "put years on sb" means that something has caused someone to appear older or age more quickly. It suggests that the person's experiences or circumstances have had a significant impact on their physical or mental well-being, making them seem older than they actually are.
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take years off sb
The idiom "take years off sb" means to make someone look or feel younger, often due to a positive or rejuvenating experience or action.
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light years away
The phrase "light years away" is an idiom that typically refers to a vast or significant distance, either literal or metaphorical, between two things or concepts. It suggests that the two things being compared are very distant from each other in terms of quality, progress, understanding, or other relevant aspects.
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autumn years
The idiom "autumn years" refers to the latter part of a person's life or senior years, typically being associated with older age and retirement. It symbolizes the stage where one's life is compared to the autumn season, highlighting the progression towards the end of life and the natural changes and transitions that accompany it.
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donkey's years
The idiom "donkey's years" is used to indicate a very long time or an extended period. It suggests that something has been happening or someone has been doing something for an exceptionally long duration, emphasizing the concept of patience and endurance. Derived from the idea that donkeys have long lifespans, this idiom implies that the given time frame is significant and seemingly never-ending.
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sb's declining years
The idiom "sb's declining years" refers to the later years or period of someone's life when they experience a gradual decline in health, physical vigor, or mental faculties due to aging. It suggests the time when an individual's abilities or well-being may decrease or deteriorate compared to their earlier years.
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up in years
The idiom "up in years" refers to being advanced in age or old.
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be light years away from
The idiom "be light years away from" is used to describe something as being extremely different, distant, or unlikely to happen in comparison to another thing or situation. It refers to a significant gap or difference in terms of distance, time, skill, understanding, or progress.
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be light years away
The idiom "be light years away" is generally used to describe a situation or concept that is incredibly distant, either in physical distance or in terms of progress or understanding. It implies a significant gap or disparity between two points whether it be in space, time, or comprehension.
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one's sunset years
The idiom "one's sunset years" refers to the later years of a person's life, typically during retirement or old age. It signifies the period when a person is reaching the end of their life, similar to the setting sun at the end of the day.
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first hundred years are the hardest
The idiom "first hundred years are the hardest" is a humorous and lighthearted way of saying that the beginning or starting period of something, such as a project, enterprise, or a significant milestone, can be the most challenging and difficult. It implies that once this initial phase is overcome, the task or endeavor becomes easier, suggesting that perseverance and dedication are required at the initial stages of anything new.
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Not in a thousand years! and Never in a thousand years!
The idiom "Not in a thousand years!" and "Never in a thousand years!" are expressions used to convey a strong assertion of disbelief or refusal regarding the possibility of a particular event or outcome happening. It emphasizes that the mentioned scenario is highly unlikely, if not completely impossible, to occur within an extended period of time.
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well up in years
The idiom "well up in years" refers to someone who is old or advanced in age.
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take years off
The idiom "take years off" means to make someone appear or feel younger or more energetic than their actual age, typically by improving their appearance, health, or overall well-being.
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put years on
The idiom "put years on" means to make someone look or feel older, typically due to physical or emotional stress, hard work, or difficult experiences. It implies that the person's appearance or behavior has been significantly affected, resembling someone older than their actual age.
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of mature years
The idiom "of mature years" refers to someone who is older or has reached a certain age at which they are considered experienced, knowledgeable, or wise. It generally implies that a person has acquired wisdom and understanding through the passage of time.
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in years
The idiom "in years" is used to express a long period of time, usually referring to several years. It indicates that something has not occurred or been done for a significant amount of time.
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getting on in years
The idiom "getting on in years" refers to the process of aging or growing old. It suggests that a person is advancing in age or becoming older, usually implying that they are no longer young or in their prime.
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get on (in years)
The idiom "get on (in years)" means to grow older or to advance in age. It refers to the process of getting older or aging.
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vale of years
The idiom "vale of years" is a poetic expression referring to the passage of time and the journey of life. It is often used to describe the later stages of one's life, conveying a sense of maturity, wisdom, and reflection on the experiences and challenges encountered throughout the years.
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somebody’s declining years
The idiom "somebody's declining years" refers to the final stage or period of someone's life, typically characterized by old age and physical or mental decline. It specifically refers to the time when a person becomes increasingly frail, vulnerable, and less capable due to advancing age.
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of advanced years
The idiom "of advanced years" refers to someone being elderly or old in age. It describes a person who has reached a significant age, usually implying a higher level of life experience and wisdom that comes with age.
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advanced in years
The idiom "advanced in years" means to be old or elderly, typically referring to someone who has reached an older age, often characterized by physical or mental decline due to aging.
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four score and seven years ago
"Four score and seven years ago" is an idiom that refers to the phrase used at the beginning of Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address. The idiom means "a long time ago" or specifically refers to the period of eighty-seven years ago.
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roll back the years
The idiom "roll back the years" means to reminisce or recreate a past time or feeling, usually associated with feelings of nostalgia or a desire to relive the past. It can also refer to regaining youthfulness or returning to a previous state or condition.
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along in years
The idiom "along in years" means to be elderly or advanced in age.
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you should know a man seven years before you stir his fire
The idiom "you should know a man seven years before you stir his fire" means that it is important to truly understand someone's character and personality before provoking or challenging them. It suggests that one should have a deep understanding of a person's motivations, reactions, and temperament before engaging in potentially contentious or confrontational situations. This idiom emphasizes the significance of patience and familiarity before triggering someone's strong emotions or passions.
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dog's years
The idiom "dog's years" refers to a long period of time, often implying that it feels much longer than it actually is. It suggests that time has passed slowly or that an individual or entity has experienced a great deal of wear and tear or aged significantly.
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for donkey's years
The idiom "for donkey's years" means for a very long time, often implying a period of years. It is used to indicate that someone has been doing something or has had something for an extended period, usually without any change.
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not/never in a hundred, etc. years
The idiom "not/never in a hundred, etc. years" is used to express extreme disbelief or refusal to believe that something could happen or be true. It emphasizes the impossibility or highly unlikely occurrence of a particular event or situation.
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full of years
The idiom "full of years" means that someone has lived a long and fulfilling life, typically implying that they have achieved wisdom, experienced many things, and are ready for the end of their life.
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golden years
The idiom "golden years" refers to a period during a person's life, typically later in adulthood, where they are no longer working and can enjoy their retirement and leisure time. It signifies a time of happiness, fulfillment, and contentment.
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(one's) autumn years
The idiom "(one's) autumn years" refers to the later stages or the last phase of a person's life, typically symbolized by the season of autumn. It signifies the period of time when a person is getting older, approaching retirement, and experiencing the natural decline associated with aging.
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Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it
The idiom "Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it" suggests that if you hold onto something for long enough, eventually you will find a purpose or a need for it. In other words, it emphasizes the value and potential usefulness of old or seemingly useless items.
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Keep a thing seven years and you'll (always) find a use for it.
The idiom "Keep a thing seven years and you'll always find a use for it" means that if you hold onto something for a long period of time, it will eventually prove itself to be useful or valuable in some way. This phrase suggests that one should not be too quick to discard or throw away items, as they may come in handy or have a purpose in the future, even if they may not currently seem valuable or necessary. It emphasizes the idea of being patient and not prematurely getting rid of things that may have potential utility.
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in years, at for years
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in an age of years
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