Periods of ten consecutive years, used as units for measuring longer spans of time. Plural of decade, commonly used to discuss historical periods or long-term changes.
From Greek 'dekas' meaning 'a group of ten,' from 'deka' (ten). Entered English through Latin and French in the 15th century. Originally used for any group of ten things, later specialized to mean ten-year periods.
Humans seem naturally drawn to thinking in decades - we speak of the 'Roaring Twenties' or the 'Swinging Sixties' as if each ten-year span has its own distinct personality. Psychologically, decades serve as convenient markers for reflecting on change and measuring the passage of our lives.
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