Ten

Definition

Ten is the cardinal number equivalent to the sum of five plus five or one more than nine. It is also used to describe a rating or measurement of the highest quality or completeness on a scale of one to ten.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɛn/
• Respelling: TEN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɛn/
• Respelling: TEN

Etymology

The word "ten" originates from the Old English "tien" or "tȝen," derived from Proto-Germanic "*tehun" and Proto-Indo-European "*déḱm̥," meaning "ten." It has cognates in various languages, such as the Latin "decem" and Greek "déka," all referring to the number ten.

Derivatives

• Tenth (adjective/noun)
• Tenfold (adjective/adverb)
• Tens (plural noun)
• Tenner (noun, informal)
• Tenacious (adjective, derived indirectly through roots related to holding firmly)

Synonyms

• Decimal
• Decade
• Tenfold

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The noun "ten" is commonly used in numerical contexts, such as "She has ten apples." As an adjective, it qualifies nouns with the value of ten, for instance, "a ten-dollar bill." It is also metaphorically used in expressions like "a perfect ten" to describe something of exceptional quality.

Related Terms

• Decimal: A system of numbers based on the number ten.
• Dozen: A grouping of twelve, often contrasted with ten.
• Base-10: The numbering system that uses ten as its base.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The number equivalent to the sum of five plus five: Refers to the cardinal number ten.
  • Example: "There are ten chairs in the room."
• A perfect rating on a scale of one to ten: Describes the highest level of quality or performance.
  • Example: "Her performance was a solid ten."

Adjective

• Being or relating to the number ten: Qualifies nouns by denoting the quantity of ten.
  • Example: "He handed me a ten-dollar note."