50th Meaning: Definition and Examples
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50th
[ˈfɪftiθ ]
Definitions
ordinal number
The term '50th' refers to the position in a sequence or list that is numbered fifty. This finding is often used to denote significant milestones, such as anniversaries or rankings.
Examples of usage
- She celebrated her 50th birthday with a big party.
- The 50th anniversary of their marriage was a grand affair.
- He finished the race in 50th place out of hundreds of participants.
milestone
The '50th' can also refer to a significant event marking a span of fifty years, commonly known as a golden jubilee. It often celebrates achievements, relationships, or historical events.
Examples of usage
- Their 50th is an important milestone in their lives.
- The city held a festival for its 50th jubilee.
- She received special recognition for her contributions over the past 50th years.
Interesting Facts
Numerical Significance
- In Roman numerals, the number 50 is represented as 'L', which is often used in clocks and learning materials.
- Fifty is the first square number that is not a perfect square; it represents a significant milestone in counting and measurement.
Cultural Milestones
- The 50th wedding anniversary is known as the 'golden anniversary,' symbolizing lasting love.
- In many cultures, turning 50 is considered a transition into a new stage of life, often celebrated with big parties.
Historical Events
- In 1970, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations was celebrated, highlighting its ongoing mission.
- Fifty years ago, major events shaped the world including the Apollo 13 mission in 1970, which became a testament to ingenuity and resilience.
Science and Nature
- Fifty is the atomic number of tin, a metal commonly used in alloys and packaging.
- In biology, 50 is the approximate number of chromosomes in some species of plants, contributing to their evolutionary traits.
Sports
- In football, a 50-yard line is a significant marker on the field, indicating the halfway point for teams.
- Fifty is also a benchmark in cricket, marking a half-century scored by a player, often celebrated as a great achievement.
Origin of '50th'
The term '50th' stems from the numeral system, specifically the combination of 'fifty', which is derived from the word 'five' with the Old English suffix '-ty', indicating a group of ten (as in five times ten). The suffix '-th' is used to form ordinal numbers, signifying position in a sequence. In English, rulers and events have historically marked significant 50-year periods, leading to the common usage of '50th' to denote anniversaries and milestones. The use of '50th' as an ordinal number became standardized in the English language, reflecting cultural practices in celebrating noteworthy achievements that span decades. The golden jubilee remains a popular celebration, symbolizing prosperity and achievement.