Third

Definition

Third refers to the ordinal number corresponding to three, indicating position after the second, or one of three equal parts of a whole.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Adverb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɜrd/
• Respelling: THURD

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θɜːd/
• Respelling: THURD

Etymology

The word "third" originates from Old English "þridda" or "þirdda," which is derived from Proto-Germanic "*þridjaz," meaning "third in order." Related words appear in German ("dritte") and Dutch ("derde"). It evolved into its current form in Middle English.

Derivatives

• Thirdly (adverb)
• Thirds (noun, plural)
• Third-rate (adjective)
• Thirdness (noun, rare)
• Third-party (adjective/noun)

Synonyms

• Tertiary
• Threefold
• Triennial (context-specific)

Antonyms

• First
• Second
• Last

Usage

The word "third" is commonly used to indicate sequence, division, or ranking. For example, "She finished in third place." It is also used in fractions, such as "A third of the pie was eaten."

Related Terms

• Ordinal: Numbers representing position or rank.
• Fraction: A numerical representation of a part of a whole.
• Ranking: Position within a hierarchy or order.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Being the position after second: Refers to the ordinal position in a sequence.
  • Example: "She was the third person to arrive."
• Relating to one of three equal parts: Indicates division into thirds.
  • Example: "Each student received a third of the prize money."

Noun

• The person or thing in the third position: Refers to rank or sequence.
  • Example: "He is in the third grade."
• One of three equal parts: Refers to a fractional division.
  • Example: "A third of the cake was left."

Adverb

• In the third place or order: Indicates a position or sequence in an enumeration.
  • Example: "Third, we will discuss the results."