vjekovi

Vjekovi is a term primarily used in some Slavic languages, meaning "centuries" or "ages." It refers to a long period of time, typically spanning one hundred years or more. The word itself is derived from the Proto-Slavic root *věkъ*, meaning "age" or "lifetime." In historical contexts, "vjekovi" often denotes significant historical eras characterized by distinct social, political, or cultural developments. For instance, one might refer to the "vjekovi of the Ottoman Empire" or the "vjekovi of the Renaissance" to delineate these extended periods. The concept emphasizes the passage of considerable time and the cumulative impact of events over generations. While "century" is a more precise measure, "vjekovi" carries a broader, more evocative sense of deep history and enduring change. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a very long, seemingly endless duration, such as "it felt like vjekovi passed before they arrived." The usage of "vjekovi" is generally confined to languages where it is a native term, though its meaning is universally understood as representing extended historical or temporal spans.