Eighth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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eighth

[eɪθ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

ordinal number

Eighth refers to the position in a sequence that comes after the seventh and before the ninth. It is used to denote the rank or order of an item in a list of eight items.

Synonyms

8th, octaval, octonary.

Examples of usage

  • She finished in eighth place in the race.
  • He was the eighth person to arrive at the meeting.
  • The eighth chapter of the book is particularly interesting.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In fractions, one-eighth is represented as 1/8, which is important in measuring and dividing things into smaller parts.
  • An eighth of a turn is called a '45-degree' angle, commonly used in geometry and graphic design.

Music

  • In music theory, an eighth note is a note played for half the duration of a quarter note, adding rhythm and complexity to songs.
  • The term 'eighth' also describes intervals between pitches, important for harmony and melody creation.

Culture

  • People celebrate 'eighths' as milestones in some cultures; for example, a child's eighth birthday marks a shift into a new stage of childhood.
  • In some places, the eighth day of the month holds special significance due to historical or cultural events.

History

  • The eighth century saw the rise of powerful empires in Europe and Asia, shaping the course of history.
  • Architectural developments in the eighth century included the construction of significant religious buildings, influencing church design in later centuries.

Language

  • 'Eighth' derives from the Old English word 'eahta' and has evolved across several languages, reflecting changes in counting and measurement.
  • In English linguistic structure, ordinal numbers like 'eighth' help establish order and sequence, essential for clear communication.

Origin of 'eighth'

The word 'eighth' originates from Old English 'eahtoa', which is derived from the numeral 'eight'. The pattern of forming ordinals in English comes from a Germanic root, relating to how numbers are structured in cognate languages, such as German 'acht' (eight) and its ordinal 'achte'. The suffix ‘-th’ is a common feature in English for forming ordinal indicators from cardinal numbers. Over centuries, as the language evolved, 'eighth' solidified in its current form, reflecting both the numerical and sequential significance in various contexts such as mathematics, music, and more broadly in everyday language, symbolizing its essential role in communication and quantification.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,576, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.