Three

Definition

Three is a cardinal number representing the quantity equivalent to the sum of one and two, or the third item in a sequence.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θriː/
• Respelling: THREE

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /θriː/
• Respelling: THREE

Etymology

The word "three" originates from Old English "þrēo," derived from Proto-Germanic "*þrīz," and further from Proto-Indo-European "*tréyes," meaning "three." It shares roots with related terms in languages such as Old High German "drī," Latin "trēs," and Greek "treis."

Derivatives

• Third (ordinal)
• Thrice (adverb)
• Triple (adjective/noun)
• Threefold (adjective/adverb)
• Three-dimensional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Trio
• Triad
• Triplet

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The word "three" is widely used to denote quantity or position. For example, "She bought three apples." It can also appear in phrases such as "Three Musketeers" to signify a group of three.

Related Terms

• Trinity: A group of three closely related items or people.
• Triangle: A geometric figure with three sides.
• Third: The ordinal form of "three."

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A number representing the sum of one and two: Refers to the cardinal number "three."
  • Example: "There were three birds on the branch."
• A group or set of three items or people: Refers to a trio or triad.
  • Example: "The three finalists competed for the prize."

Adjective

• Being one more than two: Describes the quantity or position of an item.
  • Example: "She gave each child three candies."