Decade Meaning

UK /ˈdɛkeɪd/
US /ˈdɛkeɪd/
Word Definition
decade meaning

Decade Definition & Usage

noun

A period of ten years.

Examples

  • "The 1980s were a decade of technological revolution."
  • "She has lived in New York for over a decade."
  • "In the last decade, the city has undergone significant changes."
  • "The decade following the war was marked by rebuilding and growth."
  • "He was a well-known actor for a decade before retiring."
noun

A metaphorical or symbolic 'decade' representing a period of significant change or impact in a specific field, though the period is not always precisely 10 years.

Examples

  • "It was the decade of innovation in the tech industry."
  • "Her artistic style evolved over what could be considered a 'decade of discovery'."
  • "The decade of social change reshaped the political landscape."
  • "The company saw a decade of steady growth, with each year building on the last."
  • "The 2020s may well be remembered as the decade of environmental consciousness."

Cultural Context

The term 'decade' comes from the Latin word 'decas', meaning a group of ten. It is commonly used to denote a 10-year span, both in a literal sense of measuring time and figuratively to describe periods of historical, cultural, or personal significance.

A Decade of Change

Story

A Decade of Change

Sarah had always been fond of looking back, but the past decade had particularly captivated her. As a young woman, she moved to the city for what she thought would be a brief internship, yet ten years later, she had built a career and a life here. It felt almost surreal to think of it as a 'decade'. The city itself had changed so much too. Skyscrapers had risen where empty lots once were, and new restaurants and tech hubs had replaced the rundown factories that dotted the streets. It was a decade of growth—for both her and the city. 'You remember when we first met at that coffee shop, right?' Sarah asked her old friend, Mark. 'It was 2012, right? A full decade ago.' Mark nodded with a smile. He was now a successful entrepreneur who had launched a startup that had transformed over the years. 'It's crazy to think about,' he said. 'We both came to the city as strangers, but look at us now. It feels like that decade was one long phase of reinvention.' Their conversation veered towards the larger cultural shifts of the last decade. 'Tech has been a huge part of it,' Sarah remarked, 'The digital world has completely reshaped everything in the past ten years. It's not just the city that's changed; it's the whole world.' Reflecting on the decade of progress, Sarah recalled how it hadn't always been easy. There were the setbacks and failures, moments when she doubted whether it was all worth it. But those struggles had been part of what defined the decade. Each challenge had pushed her further, and now, as she stood on the verge of a new project, she realized she was a product of those ten years. 'It's funny,' Sarah said, 'We think of a decade as just a number, but it's a whole life chapter.' Mark agreed. 'A decade is much more than just ten years—it's a reflection of everything that changes in that time.' By the end of the evening, Sarah was full of gratitude for her 'decade of change'. It had shaped who she was, both professionally and personally. The city had shaped her, and she had, in turn, shaped the city. The decade had been a mosaic of struggles and successes, but it was something she wouldn't trade for anything.

A Decade of Change