21: meaning, definitions and examples
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21
[ twenty-one ]
number, age
21 is a cardinal number that represents the quantity of twenty-one, often signifying an age of legal adulthood in many cultures. It is also commonly used in reference to the age at which individuals can legally consume alcohol in the United States.
Examples of usage
- She turned 21 last week.
- He is 21 years old and ready to vote.
- You must be 21 to enter this club.
Translations
Translations of the word "21" in other languages:
🇵🇹 21
🇮🇳 21
🇩🇪 21
🇮🇩 21
🇺🇦 21
🇵🇱 21
🇯🇵 21
🇫🇷 21
🇪🇸 21
🇹🇷 21
🇰🇷 21
🇸🇦 21
🇨🇿 21
🇸🇰 21
🇨🇳 21
🇸🇮 21
🇮🇸 21
🇰🇿 21
🇬🇪 21
🇦🇿 21
🇲🇽 21
Word origin
The number 21 derives from the Latin word 'vicies' (twice twenty) combined with 'unum,' meaning one. This is part of the base-10 numbering system, which is thought to have originated in ancient cultures, particularly in Mesopotamia. The use of positional notation greatly simplifies the expression of numbers including twenty-one, allowing it to be easily represented in writing and speech. Over time, the cultural significance of the age 21 has grown, particularly in Western societies, where it marks the transition to adulthood, granting legal rights and responsibilities. Various languages have their own terms for twenty-one, but the underlying numeral concept remains the same across cultures.