Fourth

Definition

Fourth is an ordinal number and an adjective. As an ordinal number, it represents the position that comes after third in a sequence. As a noun, it refers to one of four equal parts of a whole or the fourth position in a sequence.

Parts of Speech

• Ordinal number (adjective)
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɔːrθ/
• Respelling: FORTH

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɔːθ/
• Respelling: FAWTH

Etymology

The word "fourth" originates from the Old English "feortha," derived from Proto-Germanic "*feurthan" and Proto-Indo-European "*kwetwr̥tos," meaning "four." It retains its ordinal sense related to the number four across Germanic languages.

Derivatives

• Fourthly (adverb)
• Fourth-grade (adjective)
• Fourfold (adjective/adverb)
• Fourteenth (ordinal number)
• Fourth-quarter (noun)

Synonyms

• Quarter
• One-fourth
• Fourth part

Antonyms

• First
• Last
• None

Usage

The term "fourth" is used to describe positions in a sequence, e.g., "She finished in fourth place." It also describes fractions, as in "A fourth of the cake was eaten."

Related Terms

• Ordinal: A number denoting position in a sequence.
• Fraction: A part of a whole, often represented in quarters.
• Sequence: An ordered arrangement.

Detailed Definitions

Ordinal Number (Adjective)

• Relating to the position after third in a sequence: Used to denote the fourth position in a series.
  • Example: "He lives on the fourth floor of the building."

Noun

• One of four equal parts: Refers to a fraction of a whole divided into four segments.
  • Example: "A fourth of the class was absent today."
• The position in a sequence corresponding to number four: Refers to the fourth item in a series.
  • Example: "She was the fourth to cross the finish line."