Looking up...
bygone era
/ˈbaɪɡɒn ˈɪərə/
past time period
In the bygone era of the 1920s, jazz music flourished in American cities.
This phrase refers to a time in the past that is no longer current.
literary
A time period that has passed and is no longer current.
The museum showcased artifacts from a bygone era of industrialization.
The phrase emphasizes the historical distance from the past.
She often spoke of the bygone era when life was simpler.
Used to evoke nostalgia or contrast with the present.
Often used to describe a period that feels distant or romanticized.
Collocations
a bygone eraa past time periodof bygone erasrelating to past times
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal interpretation
Do not confuse 'bygone era' with a literal era that has ended. It is primarily used metaphorically to describe any past period, not just historical epochs.
Gold Rule
Use for contrast
Use 'bygone era' to contrast the past with the present, often implying a sense of nostalgia or loss.
Word Origin
From the adjective 'bygone' (past, gone by) + 'era' (a long period of history). 'Bygone' derives from the Middle English 'bi-gon' (past participle of 'bigoen', meaning 'to go by').
Usage Notes
Commonly used in literary, historical, or nostalgic contexts. Avoid using it in formal technical writing unless referring to historical periods.
Word Breakdown
bygone
past, gone by
adjectiveera
a long period of history
nounEnglish Dictionary