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Fortieth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

40️⃣
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fortieth

[ˈfɔːrtiəθ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

ordinal number

The word 'fortieth' is the ordinal form of the number forty, denoting the position or rank of something in a sequence. It is commonly used to indicate the numerical position in a series, particularly when counting or listing items. The term can also refer to anniversaries or events that celebrate the 40th occurrence of something. It is an important term in both mathematical contexts and in everyday language.

Examples of usage

  • She celebrated her fortieth birthday with a big party.
  • The fortieth episode of the series aired last night.
  • This year marks the fortieth anniversary of our company.
  • He ranked in the fortieth place in the race.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • Fortieth represents one part of a hundred, meaning you would need forty of them to make a whole.
  • In a sequence, it acts as a marker, often used to denote significant milestones, such as anniversaries.

Culture

  • Celebrating a fortieth anniversary, often called 'ruby anniversary,' symbolizes love and endurance.
  • Songs and events often highlight fortieth celebrations, marking them as special occasions.

History

  • The fortieth day after Easter is known as Ascension Day in Christianity, marking a significant event in the calendar.
  • In ancient Roman culture, reaching a milestone age such as 40 was often celebrated as a mark of maturity.

Literature

  • In poetry and literature, specific ages, like 40, are often symbolically loaded with meaning, representing wisdom and experience.
  • Some famous literary characters reach a significant turning point at or around the age of 40, emphasizing personal growth.

Origin of 'fortieth'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Old English word 'feorða', meaning fourth, indicating a counting order.
  • The suffix '-eth' indicates a positional relation in numbers, similar to how we use 'third' and 'fourth'.

The term 'fortieth' originates from the Old English word 'feorða', meaning 'fourth'. The evolution of the English numerals has seen significant transformations over centuries, making way for more complex ordinal forms. The prefix 'forty' in 'fortieth' is derived from the same Old English roots, reflecting the quantity of four times ten. The suffix 'th' is a common indicator of order, prevalent in numbers such as fourth, fifth, and tenth. In Middle English, the term evolved further into 'forti', eventually forming the modern-day 'fortieth'. This transition marks a typical evolution in English numerals where cardinal numbers often transition into their ordinal counterparts.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,747, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.