Fourth: meaning, definitions and examples

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fourth

 

[ˈfɔːθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ordinal number

Coming after the third in order or place.

Synonyms

4th, following third, next in line.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fourth

Used in general speech and writing to indicate the next item in a sequence after the third.

  • The fourth book in the series was my favorite
  • She is the fourth child in her family
4th

Used primarily in informal writing, often in digital communication, spreadsheets, or quickly noting dates and positions.

  • The meeting is scheduled for the 4th of July
  • He came in 4th place in the competition
next in line

Used informally to indicate someone or something that is directly after the current one, particularly in queues or sequences of tasks.

  • She is next in line for promotion
  • Who is next in line to speak?
following third

Used to describe a position or time directly after the third one, often in a narrative or instructional context.

  • The task that comes following third is crucial
  • The fourth player, following third in the lineup, had to perform exceptionally well

Examples of usage

  • It's the fourth time I've seen that movie.
  • She finished in fourth place in the race.
  • We are on the fourth floor of the building.
Context #2 | Noun

fraction

One of four equal parts of something.

Synonyms

25%, one out of four, quarter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fourth

It can also describe a fraction or part of a whole in specific contexts.

  • He ate the fourth slice of the pizza
  • The test is worth one fourth of your final grade
quarter

Typically used in everyday language to describe one of four equal parts, often in time and measurement.

  • He paid a quarter of the amount up front
  • We have a quarter of an hour left before the meeting starts
25%

Used in mathematics, statistics, finance, and when discussing percentages or proportions.

  • This year, the company's revenue increased by 25%
  • We need to cut expenses by 25% to balance the budget
one out of four

Used to express a part-to-whole relationship in a more conversational or informal context.

  • One out of four students failed the exam
  • One out of four people experiences anxiety at some point

Examples of usage

  • She ate a fourth of the cake.
  • He owns a fourth of the company.
  • A fourth of the students chose option B.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In math, 'fourth' often represents a quarter – like one-fourth of a pizza means you have one slice out of four.
  • The fourth dimension in theoretical physics refers to time, adding depth to our understanding of space and time.

Culture

  • In many countries, the fourth day of July is celebrated as Independence Day in the U.S. with fireworks and parades.
  • The fourth season, winter, is characterized by snow and cold weather in many parts of the world, affecting cultures and traditions.

History

  • The Fourth Crusade, which took place in the early 13th century, was originally intended to conquer Muslim-controlled Jerusalem and ended up sacking Constantinople.
  • In 1789, the United States Congress adopted the Fourth Amendment, guaranteeing protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare’s works, the theme of the fourth wall (breaking, engaging with the audience) adds a unique layer to storytelling.
  • In modern literature, 'fourth' often symbolizes change or a new beginning, as in the transition that's noticeable in character development.

Science

  • In chemistry, the fourth most abundant element in the universe is carbon, essential for life as we know it.
  • The phenomenon of the fourth state of matter, plasma, underlines significant processes like how the sun generates energy.

Translations

Translations of the word "fourth" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quarto

🇮🇳 चौथा (Chautha)

🇩🇪 vierten

🇮🇩 keempat

🇺🇦 четвертий

🇵🇱 czwarty

🇯🇵 第四 (Daiyon)

🇫🇷 quatrième

🇪🇸 cuarto

🇹🇷 dördüncü

🇰🇷 네 번째 (Ne beonjjae)

🇸🇦 الرابع (Ar-Rabi')

🇨🇿 čtvrtý

🇸🇰 štvrtý

🇨🇳 第四 (Dìsì)

🇸🇮 četrti

🇮🇸 fjórði

🇰🇿 төртінші

🇬🇪 მეოთხე (meotkhe)

🇦🇿 dördüncü

🇲🇽 cuarto

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,451, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.