The terms “BC” and “AD” and the alternative terms “BCE” and “CE” are used to denote years in the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar system most widely used today.
BC and AD
- BC: “Before Christ” refers to the years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
- AD: “Anno Domini” is Latin for “in the year of our Lord” and refers to the years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
BCE and CE
- BCE: “Before Common Era” is a secular term equivalent to BC.
- CE: “Common Era” is a secular term equivalent to AD.
Usage and Context
- BC/AD: These terms have been traditionally used in Christian contexts and are based on the Christian understanding of the timeline centered on the birth of Jesus Christ.
- BCE/CE: These terms are more inclusive and secular, avoiding reference to Christianity, making them preferable in academic, interfaith, and global contexts.
Timeline Structure
- The year 1 BC is immediately followed by AD 1, with no year 0 in this system.
- Similarly, 1 BCE is immediately followed by CE 1.
Examples
- 500 BC is the same as 500 BCE.
- AD 2023 is the same as 2023 CE.
The choice between using BC/AD and BCE/CE often depends on the context, audience, and preference for secular or religiously neutral terminology.
