adjective
secular
Lasting or occurring over a very long period.
Scientists track secular changes in sea level over many generations.
Etymology
Latin saeculum means an age or generation. This temporal sense applies secular to changes or durations spanning long periods.
More examples
- The study separates secular warming from short-term temperature fluctuations.
- Secular changes in Earth's orbit unfold over thousands of years.
- Economists examine secular trends that persist across many business cycles.
Forms
secular
Similar words
- long-term
- Covers an extended period, not necessarily an exceptionally long one.
- long-lasting
- Emphasizes continued duration rather than change over an extended period.