Digits Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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digits

[ˈdɪdʒɪts ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

numbers

Numerals, figures, or symbols used to represent numbers.

Synonyms

figures, numbers, numerals.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
digits

Use 'digits' when referring to individual numbers between 0 and 9. It is often used in contexts involving passwords, phone numbers, or when breaking down larger numbers.

  • Please enter the last four digits of your phone number.
  • The passcode consists of six digits.
numbers

Use 'numbers' as a general term when referring to quantities, mathematics, counting, or identifying elements in a sequence. It is the most commonly used term in everyday conversation.

  • What is your favorite number?
  • We need to add those numbers together.
numerals

Use 'numerals' when discussing symbols that represent numbers, especially in historical, academic, or formal contexts. This term can refer to various numeral systems, such as Roman or Arabic numerals.

  • Roman numerals are often used in clock faces.
  • The classroom has posters of different numeral systems.
figures

Use 'figures' when referring to statistical information, financial amounts, or when emphasizing the magnitude of quantities. It conveys a sense of importance or complexity.

  • The company's revenue exceeded six figures last year.
  • The unemployment figures have been recently updated.

Examples of usage

  • She wrote down the digits of the phone number.
  • The clock displayed the time in digital digits.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In the decimal system, which is the most common number system, there are ten digits: 0 through 9.
  • A number can have multiple digits; for example, 25 has two digits, while 105 has three.
  • Understanding digits is crucial for foundational math concepts such as addition, subtraction, and place value.

Technology

  • In computing, digits often refer to binary digits (bits), the basic building blocks of all computer data.
  • Many programming languages and technologies utilize digits for functions like coding and data processing.

Culture

  • In some cultures, lucky numbers are often tied to specific digits, influencing decisions like dates for events.
  • The significance of certain digits varies across cultures; for example, the number 8 is considered very lucky in Chinese culture.

Education

  • Learning digits is one of the first steps in mathematics education, often introduced through counting exercises.
  • Games and activities involving digits can help children improve their number recognition and basic arithmetic skills.

Origin of 'digits'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'digitus', meaning 'finger', as fingers were used for counting.
  • In ancient cultures, people used their fingers to perform arithmetic, leading to the connection between digits and counting.

The word 'digits' originated from the Latin word 'digitus' which means 'finger'. It was used to represent numbers as they were counted on fingers. Over time, the term evolved to also include symbols representing numbers in written form.


See also: digit, digital, digitization, digitize, digitizing.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,999 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.