Fifteenth: meaning, definitions and examples

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fifteenth

 

[ ˌfɪfˈtiːnθ ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

ordinal number

The term 'fifteenth' refers to the position in a sequence that comes after the fourteenth and before the sixteenth. It is used to denote one of 15 equal parts of a whole or to indicate the rank of an item in a list. Frequently applied in contexts like dates, sports rankings, and grading systems. The fifteenth item is often presented as the last position in a group of fifteen.

Synonyms

15th

Examples of usage

  • She finished in fifteenth place in the race.
  • My fifteenth birthday was unforgettable.
  • The fifteenth chapter of the book is the most thrilling.
  • They celebrated their fifteenth wedding anniversary last month.
Context #2 | Noun

ordinal number

As a noun, 'fifteenth' refers to the number 15 in order. It is used in various contexts where numerical ranking is applicable. It can describe something that is one part out of fifteen equal sections. The concept of the fifteenth can also be used in educational settings, where a group is composed of fifteen members.

Synonyms

15th

Examples of usage

  • He was the fifteenth to arrive at the meeting.
  • The fifteenth of October is a significant date.
  • In the fifteenth of October, we will have a gathering.
  • The fifteenth of every month is when the bills are due.

Translations

Translations of the word "fifteenth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 décimo quinto

🇮🇳 पंद्रहवां

🇩🇪 fünfzehnte

🇮🇩 kelima belas

🇺🇦 пятнадцятий

🇵🇱 piętnasty

🇯🇵 第15の

🇫🇷 quinzième

🇪🇸 quinceavo

🇹🇷 onbeşinci

🇰🇷 15번째

🇸🇦 الخامس عشر

🇨🇿 patnáctý

🇸🇰 pätnásty

🇨🇳 第十五

🇸🇮 petnajsti

🇮🇸 fimmtándi

🇰🇿 он бесінші

🇬🇪 თხუთმეტი

🇦🇿 on beşinci

🇲🇽 quinceavo

Word origin

The word 'fifteenth' originates from the Old English 'fīftēoþa', which is a combination of 'fīf', meaning five, and 'teoþa', meaning tenth. The structure of the word follows the pattern established in the Old English numeral system, where 'fifth' referred to 5 in order and 'tenth' referred to 10. This combination reflects the evolution of cardinal and ordinal numbers in Germanic languages. The use of 'fifteenth' has been documented since the early Middle Ages and is prevalent in various forms of writing, mathematics, and numeric hierarchies. It showcases how languages adapt and modify number systems over time, leading to the adoption of terms common in both English and other languages. 'Fifteenth' has maintained usage through centuries, reflecting its importance in counting systems and everyday life, from calendars to chronological events.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,283 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.