Twenty

Definition

Twenty is a cardinal number representing the quantity equivalent to two tens, or 20. It can also be used as an adjective to describe a group or set consisting of 20 items.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtwɛn.ti/ or /ˈtwʌn.ti/
• Respelling: TWEN-tee or TWUN-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtwɛn.ti/ or /ˈtwʌn.ti/
• Respelling: TWEN-tee or TWUN-tee

Etymology

The word "twenty" originates from Old English "twentig," a combination of "twēgen" (two) and "-tig" (group of ten), derived from Proto-Germanic "*twai tigu" and Proto-Indo-European roots. Its modern spelling and pronunciation developed in Middle English.

Derivatives

• Twentieth (adjective/noun)
• Twenties (noun, plural)
• Twentyfold (adjective/adverb)
• Twentysomething (noun/adjective)
• Twenty-first (adjective/noun)

Synonyms

• Score (archaic)
• Two tens
• None

Antonyms

• None

Usage

As a noun, "twenty" refers to the number itself or a group of 20 items. For example, "There are twenty students in the class."

As an adjective, "twenty" describes a quantity or position. For example, "The team scored twenty points."

Related Terms

• Number: A mathematical object used for counting or measuring.
• Cardinal number: A number denoting quantity.
• Dozen: A group of twelve, often compared with twenty in counting sets.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The number 20: Refers to the cardinal number that is the product of 2 × 10.
  • Example: "Twenty is an even number."
• A group or set of 20 items: Refers to a collection of twenty things or people.
  • Example: "A twenty of birds flew across the sky."

Adjective

• Being 20 in number: Describes a quantity or total.
  • Example: "He bought twenty apples."
• Relating to the age or years 20-29: Used informally to describe someone's twenties.
  • Example: "She is in her twenties and enjoying life."