Eighty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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eighty
[ˈeɪti ]
Definition
Context #1 | Number
cardinal
Eighty is the number between seventy-nine and eighty-one, represented in Roman numerals as LXXX.
Examples of usage
- It takes eighty minutes to drive to the city.
- She scored eighty points in the game.
- The temperature reached eighty degrees Fahrenheit.
- We have eighty guests coming to the party.
- He is eighty years old.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- Eighty is an even number, meaning it can be evenly divided by two.
- In Roman numerals, eighty is represented as 'LXXX', which is the combination of fifty (L) and thirty (XXX).
- It is considered a composite number since it has factors other than one and itself.
Pop Culture
- The 1980s are often referred to as the 'Decade of Excess' due to the flamboyance in fashion, music, and lifestyle choices.
- Eighty is frequently used in music and movie titles to evoke nostalgia for the vibrant culture of that era.
- In sports, athletes reaching the age of eighty are celebrated for their longevity and dedication to their respective games.
Science
- Eighty is the atomic number of mercury, a chemical element known for its liquid state at room temperature.
- The human brain starts losing neurons at an increased rate as it approaches eighty, affecting memory and cognitive function.
- Eighties are significant in biology, as many species exhibit slower aging processes when they reach this extended life phase.
Literature
- In literature, characters are often portrayed as wise or experienced when they are in their eighties, emphasizing age and wisdom.
- Eighty can be a symbol of longevity, often used in poetry to reflect on a life's accomplishments and experiences.
- Classic novels frequently reference milestones at eighty to convey an appreciation of time and its impact on character development.
Origin of 'eighty'
Main points about word origin
- 'Eighty' comes from the Old English word 'eahta,' which means eight.
- The 'ty' in 'eighty' indicates that it's a multiple of ten, similar to the way 'twenty' or 'thirty' are formed.
- In other languages, such as Spanish ('ochenta') and French ('quatre-vingts'), the representation of eighty varies significantly, showcasing diverse numeral systems.
The word eighty originated from the Old English term 'eahtatig' which is a combination of 'eahta' (eight) and 'tig' (group of ten). Over the years, the spelling and pronunciation evolved to its current form 'eighty'. The concept of counting by tens and using base-10 numeral system contributed to the development of the word eighty as a numerical term.