Tips for Remembering the Difference Between BC vs AD
- One easy mnemonic for remembering the difference between AD & BC is to think about the words before & after. BC starts with B, just like before. And AD starts with A, just like after.
- Therefore, we use BC to talk about events before Year 0, & AD to talk about events after Year 0.
- The same trick works for BCE vs CE. BCE starts with a B, which means it’s the one that comes before Year 0.
BC and AD, BCE and CE : What’s the Difference ?
BC and AD, BCE and CE: What’s the Difference?: When it comes to measuring the dates, the Gregorian calendar is followed. It was first used in the Western Christian tradition & then it was used all over the world irrespective of religious, cultural & linguistic boundaries. It’s also called the Gregorian calendar, which is based on Jesus Christ’s supposed birth date.
BC,AD,BCE and CE
Subsequent years after this event & we use either AD or CE while preceding years count down from it & BC or BCE is used. For counting the number of years, labels like BC & AD are used.
The BC/AD dating system was created keeping in mind Jesus Christ’s birthdate, which is considered the main starting point. BC or Before Christ refers to the number of years before Christ was born. AD or Anno Domini refers to the period after Christ was born.
CE means common (or current) era”, while BCE means ”before the common (or current) era”. But, have you ever thought what is the difference between AD & CE, or BC & BCE? Do they carry the same meaning & if it is so, which one should we use?