Fifty: meaning, definitions and examples

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fifty

 

[ˈfɪfti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

number

The number that is equal to ten times five.

Synonyms

five tens, half a hundred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fifty

As it is identical to the previous entry, it shares the same usage and examples.

  • There are fifty students in the classroom.
  • We need fifty chairs for the event.
half a hundred

Less common and somewhat formal or archaic, this phrase breaks fifty down into parts, emphasizing its relationship to one hundred. It might be used in literature or historical contexts.

  • Half a hundred years have passed since the event.
  • They harvested half a hundred bushels of wheat this season.
five tens

This phrase emphasizes the components that make up fifty, and is often used in educational contexts, particularly when teaching children basic arithmetic or counting.

  • If you have five tens, how many do you have in total?
  • Five tens make fifty.

Examples of usage

  • There are fifty states in the United States.
  • He scored fifty points in the game.
Context #2 | Noun

age

The age of fifty years old.

Synonyms

golden age, half-century.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fifty

Use 'fifty' for specifying the exact number 50.

  • He turned fifty last year.
  • She can easily lift fifty pounds.

Examples of usage

  • She celebrated her fiftieth birthday last week.
  • At fifty, he decided to start a new career.
Context #3 | Noun

money

A fifty-dollar bill.

Synonyms

fifty-dollar note, half C.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fifty

When used with variations in capitalization (like 'Fifty'), it may pertain to titles or specific names, often in literature, media, or branding contexts.

  • I am reading 'Fifty Shades of Grey'.
  • A new Fifty-Year Anniversary Edition has been released.
fifty-dollar note

This is specifically used in financial contexts to refer to a banknote worth fifty dollars. It is useful in transactions and discussions of money.

  • Can you break a fifty-dollar note?
  • He handed the cashier a fifty-dollar note.
half C

This is a less common and somewhat informal way to refer to fifty dollars or might be used in specific jargon or codes. It can be used in casual conversations or certain subcultures.

  • Hey, can you lend me half C?
  • The entry fee is half C.

Examples of usage

  • He handed her a fifty for the concert tickets.
  • The cost of the item was fifty dollars.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'fifty' comes from the Old English 'fiftig', which is a combination of 'fifth' and the suffix '-ty' that indicates multiples of ten.
  • In Latin, 'fifty' is represented as 'quinquaginta', showing how different languages approach numbers.
  • 'Fifty' is often associated with the Roman numeral 'L', which represents fifty in the Roman counting system.

Numerical Significance

  • Fifty is the smallest number that can be expressed as the sum of two distinct primes (47 and 3).
  • In binary, fifty is represented as '110010', showcasing how numbers change form in different systems.
  • It’s a round number commonly used in various contexts, such as age milestones and years, often marking significant life events.

Cultural References

  • Fifty is famously referenced in 'Fifty Shades of Grey', a book series that explores themes of adult relationships.
  • In basketball, teams often aim to score fifty points in a half to signify a strong performance.
  • The concept of 'fifty-fifty' is widely used to describe an equal chance or probability, indicating fairness in decision-making.

Mathematical Properties

  • Fifty is an abundant number, meaning that the sum of its proper divisors is greater than itself.
  • In Roman numerals, fifty represents a key point in the series that leads to other significant values, such as one hundred.
  • Multiplying fifty by any number simplifies calculation, making it a useful factor in basic arithmetic.

Translations

Translations of the word "fifty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cinquenta

🇮🇳 पचास

🇩🇪 fünfzig

🇮🇩 lima puluh

🇺🇦 п'ятдесят

🇵🇱 pięćdziesiąt

🇯🇵 五十

🇫🇷 cinquante

🇪🇸 cincuenta

🇹🇷 elli

🇰🇷 오십

🇸🇦 خمسون

🇨🇿 padesát

🇸🇰 päťdesiat

🇨🇳 五十

🇸🇮 petdeset

🇮🇸 fimmtíu

🇰🇿 елу

🇬🇪 ორმოცი

🇦🇿 əlli

🇲🇽 cincuenta

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,621, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.