word
Latin
Circa (c.)
lit. “around”
'Approximately,' used in front of dates and quantities — 'circa 1450,' 'c. 1450.'
Origin
From Latin circa ('around, about'). Standard in academic and museum writing since the 19th century. The abbreviated form 'c.' or 'ca.' is more common in academic citations; 'circa' written out is more common in popular writing.
Modern usage
Everyday English for any approximate date. 'A coat circa 1985,' 'her musical taste, circa high school.' Has acquired a slight vintage/nostalgic tone — using 'circa' marks something as belonging to a specific period.
In the wild
His haircut is straight from a 1995 sitcom, circa season 3.— common usage
Tags
dates
approximation
abbreviation