Fiftieth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Historical Origins

• The word comes from the Old English 'fifti', which means 50, and adds 'eth' to signify the position in a sequence.
• The concept of fractions and ordinal numbers like 'fiftieth' has been used since ancient cultures, aiding in trade and agriculture.
• In the 14th century, the term 'fiftieth' was used in various texts, reflecting the importance of the number fifty in counting systems.

Numerology

• In numerology, fifty symbolizes adaptability and progressive thinking, indicating a cycle of change and new opportunities.
• The number fifty can represent a balance between the spiritual and the material world, often associated with wisdom gained through experience.
• Fifty is often seen as a milestone in various cultures, such as marking significant birthdays and achievements.

Cultural Significance

• In some cultures, reaching the fiftieth wedding anniversary is celebrated as a golden jubilee, showcasing lasting love.
• Fifty is noted in many popular events, like the '50th Super Bowl', which drew immense attention and viewership.
• The fiftieth state added to the United States was Hawaii, which became a state in 1959, reflecting significant political history.

Mathematics

• Fiftieth is an ordinal number used in mathematics to indicate position, following forty-ninth and preceding fifty-first.
• The fraction represented by fiftieth is 1/50, which is significant in probability and statistical calculations.
• In geometry, a circle can be divided into fifty equal parts, demonstrating the concept of divisions and units.

Language and Literature

• Ordinal numbers like 'fiftieth' are essential in language for giving directions, schedules, and sequence in stories.
• The use of ordinal numbers has been prevalent in literature, providing rhythm and structure to poetic forms and prose.
• Shakespeare and other classic authors frequently employed ordinal constructions to enhance narrative flow and character dialogue.

The word 'fiftieth' derives from the Old English term 'fīftiġ', which means fifty, combined with the suffix '-eth' that forms ordinal numbers. The basic numeral 'fifty' has its origins in the Proto-Germanic word '*fimf', which represented the numeral five, and developed into forms used in various Germanic languages. Over time, applying the '-eth' suffix in English evolved to indicate ordinality, marking place or sequence, leading to the current usage of 'fiftieth'. As English absorbed elements from Latin and French during its evolution, the pattern of forming ordinals became more standardized. The significance of the fiftieth position often denotes a considerable milestone, and this can be identified in various cultural and social contexts, such as celebrating fifty years of events.

With rank #18,010, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 18010 fiftieth
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