Fifth

Definition

Fifth is a noun and adjective that refers to the position in a sequence corresponding to the number five. It also denotes one of five equal parts of a whole.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɪfθ/
• Respelling: FIFTH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɪfθ/
• Respelling: FIFTH

Etymology

The word "fifth" originates from the Old English "fifta," meaning "fifth," which is derived from "fīf," the word for "five." It is related to Proto-Germanic "*fimftô" and the Proto-Indo-European "*penkwe," reflecting its meaning as the ordinal form of the number five.

Derivatives

• Fifthly (adverb)
• Fifths (plural noun)
• Fifth-grade (adjective)
• Fifth-wheeler (noun)
• Fiftieth (adjective, ordinal)

Synonyms

• Quinary
• Pentagonal (context-specific)
• Fractional (context-specific)

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "fifth" is used to denote sequence or division. For instance, "He came in fifth in the race," or "One fifth of the pie is left." As an adjective, it describes the ordinal position, such as "The fifth chapter of the book is the most interesting."

Related Terms

• Five: The cardinal number corresponding to fifth.
• Fraction: A numerical quantity that is not a whole number, often represented in fifths.
• Ordinal: A number defining a position in a series.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The position in a sequence corresponding to five: Refers to the fifth item in a series or order.
  • Example: "He finished in fifth place during the marathon."
• One of five equal parts of a whole: Refers to a fractional part divided into five segments.
  • Example: "She drank a fifth of the bottle."

Adjective

• Relating to the ordinal position of five: Used to describe the fifth item in a series or order.
  • Example: "The fifth day of the week is Friday."