Circa and roughly are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two words and when it is appropriate to use each one.
Let’s define the terms. Circa is a Latin word that means “around” or “approximately.” It is often used when referring to dates or time periods that are not exact. Roughly, on the other hand, means “approximately” or “inexact.” It is used to describe something that is not precise or accurate.
So, which of these two words is the proper one to use? The answer is that it depends on the context. In some cases, either word could be used correctly. However, there are situations where one word is more appropriate than the other.
For example, if you are writing about a historical event and you do not know the exact date it occurred, you could use either circa or roughly to indicate that the date is approximate. However, if you are discussing a scientific measurement or a mathematical calculation, roughly would be the more appropriate word to use, as it implies that the measurement or calculation is not precise.
Throughout this article, we will explore more examples of when to use circa and when to use roughly, as well as other similar words that are often confused with these two terms.
Define Circa
Circa is a Latin term that is commonly used in historical research and refers to an approximate date or time period. It is often abbreviated as “c.” and is used to indicate that the date or time period being discussed is not exact but rather an estimation based on available information.
For example, if a historian is researching the life of William Shakespeare and finds a document that was written in 1603, but the exact date is unknown, they may refer to the document as being from “circa 1603” to indicate that it was likely written around that time. This allows for a degree of flexibility in historical research and acknowledges that not all information can be precisely dated.
Define Roughly
Roughly, on the other hand, is a term that is used to describe an approximation that is not necessarily based on specific information or data. It is often used in everyday language to indicate that something is not exact, but rather an estimate or guess based on general knowledge or observation.
For example, if someone is asked how many people attended a concert they recently went to, they may respond by saying “roughly 500” to indicate that they are not sure of the exact number but believe it to be around that amount based on their estimation.
While “circa” is typically used in formal or academic settings, “roughly” is used more casually in everyday conversation and does not necessarily carry the same level of precision or accuracy.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using words correctly in a sentence is crucial to ensure that your message is conveyed accurately. Two words that are commonly used interchangeably, but have distinct meanings, are “circa” and “roughly”. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Circa” In A Sentence
“Circa” is a Latin word that means “around” or “approximately”. It is commonly used to indicate an approximate date or time period. When using “circa” in a sentence, it should be followed by a specific date or time period.
For example:
- The painting was created circa 1900.
- The manuscript was written circa the 12th century.
It is important to note that “circa” should only be used when the exact date or time period is unknown, but can be estimated.
How To Use “Roughly” In A Sentence
“Roughly” is an adverb that means “approximately” or “about”. It is commonly used to indicate an approximate amount or quantity. When using “roughly” in a sentence, it should be followed by a specific amount or quantity.
For example:
- The package weighed roughly 2 pounds.
- There were roughly 50 people in attendance.
It is important to note that “roughly” should only be used when the exact amount or quantity is unknown, but can be estimated.
More Examples Of Circa & Roughly Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide more examples of how the words “circa” and “roughly” can be used in sentences. These examples will help you understand the proper context and usage of these words.
Examples Of Using Circa In A Sentence
- The painting was created circa 1900.
- The manuscript was written circa the 12th century.
- The building was constructed circa 1920.
- The statue was made circa 500 BC.
- The book was published circa 1960.
- The coin was minted circa 1800.
- The photograph was taken circa 1950.
- The artifact was discovered circa 3000 BC.
- The map was drawn circa 1700.
- The sword was forged circa the 14th century.
As you can see from these examples, “circa” is used to indicate an approximate date or time period. It is commonly used in historical research and writing.
Examples Of Using Roughly In A Sentence
- The project will take roughly six months to complete.
- The distance between the two cities is roughly 500 miles.
- The temperature outside is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The population of the town is roughly 10,000 people.
- The cost of the car is roughly $20,000.
- The weight of the package is roughly 5 pounds.
- The size of the room is roughly 10 feet by 12 feet.
- The duration of the movie is roughly two hours.
- The height of the building is roughly 100 feet.
- The number of pages in the book is roughly 300.
“Roughly” is used to indicate an approximation or estimate. It is commonly used in everyday language to convey an idea of a quantity or measurement without being exact.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using the words “circa” and “roughly,” people often make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two terms have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Using “Circa” And “Roughly” Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using “circa” and “roughly” interchangeably. While both terms indicate an approximation, they differ in their level of precision. “Circa” implies a more exact date or time frame and is often used in historical contexts. For example, “The painting was created circa 1900.” On the other hand, “roughly” suggests a more general approximation and is often used in informal contexts. For example, “The party starts at roughly 7 pm.”
Using “Circa” Without A Specific Date Or Time Frame
Another mistake people make is using “circa” without specifying a date or time frame. “Circa” should only be used when referring to an approximate date or time frame. For example, “The building was constructed circa 1920.” Using “circa” without a specific date or time frame can make the sentence unclear or even meaningless.
Using “Roughly” To Indicate An Exact Amount
Using “roughly” to indicate an exact amount is another common mistake. “Roughly” implies an approximation and should not be used to indicate an exact amount. For example, “The package weighed roughly 2 pounds” is incorrect. Instead, you can say “The package weighed approximately 2 pounds.”
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to understand the precise meanings of “circa” and “roughly.” Always use “circa” when referring to an approximate date or time frame, and only use “roughly” when indicating a general approximation. If you’re unsure about which term to use, consider the level of precision required for your context. Additionally, double-check your usage of these terms to ensure that you’re not inadvertently using them interchangeably or incorrectly.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “circa” and “roughly,” context is key. Both words are used to indicate an approximate date or time, but the choice between them can depend on the situation in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “circa” and “roughly” might change:
| Context | Example | Choice between “circa” and “roughly” |
|---|---|---|
| Historical Writing | Writing about the building of the Great Wall of China | “Circa” is preferred, as it is a more formal and precise term for historical writing. |
| Casual Conversation | Talking about when a friend is arriving at a party | “Roughly” is more appropriate, as it is a more casual and conversational term. |
| Legal Documents | Writing a contract with a specific date range | “Circa” should not be used in legal documents, as it indicates an approximation rather than a specific date. |
As these examples show, the choice between “circa” and “roughly” can depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and formality of the writing, as well as the specific meaning that is being conveyed, when making this choice.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the use of “circa” and “roughly” may seem straightforward, there are some exceptions to the rules that should be noted.
Exceptions For “Circa”
One exception to the use of “circa” is when referring to events or objects that are known to be exact. For example, if referring to a historical event that occurred on a specific date, it would be incorrect to use “circa” as it implies an approximate time frame. Another exception is when referring to a specific year, such as a copyright date on a book or a year of publication for a historical document. In these cases, it is more appropriate to use the exact year rather than “circa.”
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Circa 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. | In 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered America. |
| Circa 1920, women were granted the right to vote in the United States. | In 1920, women were granted the right to vote in the United States. |
Exceptions For “Roughly”
One exception to the use of “roughly” is when referring to measurements or quantities that are exact. For example, if referring to the weight of an object that is known to be exactly 10 pounds, it would be incorrect to use “roughly” as it implies an approximation. Another exception is when referring to a specific time frame that is known to be exact, such as a scheduled event or a deadline.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
| Roughly 12 inches make up a foot. | 12 inches make up a foot. |
| The report is due roughly on Friday. | The report is due on Friday. |
It is important to note these exceptions to ensure clear and accurate communication in both written and spoken language.
Practice Exercises
To help readers improve their understanding and use of the words “circa” and “roughly”, here are a few practice exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the appropriate word to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
| 1. | The building was constructed _____ 1920. | a) circa | b) roughly |
| 2. | The concert will start at _____ 8 pm. | a) circa | b) roughly |
| 3. | The distance between the two cities is _____ 300 miles. | a) circa | b) roughly |
Answer key:
- a
- b
- b
Exercise 2: Create Your Own Sentences
Create three sentences using “circa” and three sentences using “roughly”. Include the context of the sentence and explain why you chose that word.
Answer key:
- Circa: The painting was created circa 1900. I chose “circa” because the exact date of the painting’s creation is not known, but it is believed to have been created around that time.
- Roughly: The weight of the package is roughly 5 pounds. I chose “roughly” because the exact weight is not known, but it is estimated to be around 5 pounds.
- Circa: The manuscript was written circa 1600. I chose “circa” because the exact date of the manuscript’s creation is not known, but it is believed to have been written around that time.
- Roughly: The temperature outside is roughly 70 degrees Fahrenheit. I chose “roughly” because the exact temperature is not known, but it is estimated to be around 70 degrees.
- Circa: The statue was built circa 500 BC. I chose “circa” because the exact date of the statue’s creation is not known, but it is believed to have been built around that time.
- Roughly: The cost of the project is roughly $10,000. I chose “roughly” because the exact cost is not known, but it is estimated to be around $10,000.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of “circa” and “roughly” can greatly impact the accuracy and clarity of written and spoken language. While both terms are used to convey an approximate time or quantity, “circa” is more precise and should be reserved for specific dates or historical events. On the other hand, “roughly” is more flexible and can be used to estimate quantities or time frames that are not exact.
It is important to note that the misuse of these terms can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Therefore, writers and speakers should carefully consider their use of “circa” and “roughly” to ensure that their message is conveyed accurately.
Key Takeaways
- “Circa” should be used for specific dates or historical events.
- “Roughly” is more flexible and can be used to estimate quantities or time frames that are not exact.
- Misuse of these terms can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.
Continuing Learning
Grammar and language use are essential skills for effective communication. To continue improving your language use, consider reading books or taking courses on grammar and writing. Additionally, practicing writing and speaking can help to refine your language skills over time.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.