215-duration vs period

[matilda]

Hello all

What is the difference between (duration) and (period)?
In Iranian dictionaries, they have the same meaning. But I know there should be some differences.

Thank you

Matilda

[riverkid]

Hello all
What is the difference between (duration) and (period)?
In Iranian dictionaries, they have the same meaning. But I know there should be some differences.
Thank you
Matilda

I'd say, Matilda, that a lot depends on the situation. These words do have specialized scientific meanings. Why not try to create some sentences and then we can see if you're using them in a natural way for English.

[matilda]

as you know i'm from Iran and in our country, we only have one word for both of these and in Persian-to-English and English-to-persian dictionaries, we have only one word . so it is not actually underestandable for me where to use each one. i hope someone could clarify the use of these two

regards

[Humble]

Hello,
I'd say off hand, duration is used in scientific contexts and period is much commoner. And they are certainly not synonyms. You can say
It was a difficult period in his life.
But you can't say
It was a difficult duration.
Duration emphasizes the amount of time when sth is happening.
Period denotes a unit of time.
I may be wrong,though.
Regards

[englishstudent]

Hello,
I'd say off hand, duration is used in scientific contexts and period is much commoner. And they are certainly not synonyms. You can say
It was a difficult period in his life.
But you can't say
It was a difficult duration.
Duration emphasizes the amount of time when sth is happening.
Period denotes a unit of time.
I may be wrong,though.
Regards

A quick perusal of dictionary.com shows that "period" is used
in scientific contexts as well as to indicate intervals of time
in history or culture.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/period
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/duration

Perhaps example sentences from the above links will
help to clarify the difference.

sat quietly through the duration of the speech.

artifacts of the pre-Columbian period
Picasso's early career is divided into his blue period
and rose period.

I tend to think of "period" the same as "era" -
such as "the Kennedy era" (i.e. the period
during which Kennedy was the president of America).
But, the duration of Kennedy presidency was cut short
due to his tragic death.

"The Three Kingdoms period in the Chinese history
was full or violence and turmoil."

Hope this helps.