Preface To A Long Time: The Words We Use To Discuss Long Periods Of Time

Far be it for me to be too critical of lexicographers & whatever you call people who assemble thesauruses, but I found this list of "synonyms or related words for long period of time" to be more amusing than helpful.  Look at these definitions!

eternity (n.) an extremely long time
light years (n.) a very long way in time, distance, or quality
ages (n.)  a long time
aeon (n.) an extremely long period of time
hours (n.) a long time
years (n.) a very long time
long (n.) a long period of time
epic (n.) an event or activity that lasts a long time & is sometimes difficult or complicated
hour after/upon hour a very long time
donkey’s years an extremely long time

By these definitions, "donkey's years" are basically the equivalent of "eternity."  Poor donkeys!  They live such a long time!

Contrast this with actual dictionary definitions of the words.  For example, the dictionary here defines "eternity" as "infinite time; duration without beginning or end."  An aeon, at the same place, is defined both as "the largest division of geologic time, comprising two or more eras," &, in astronomy, "one billion years" (!).

Wouldn't that list up there look cooler if it said:

eternity (n.) infinite time; duration without beginning or end
aeon (n.) the largest division of geologic time, comprising two or more eras; (Astronomy) one billion years

?

I think so!

But please don't expect Self Help Radio to be any more rigorous than the first list.  It's cold in Lexington & I am prone to napping.