Nineteenth - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

ordinal number

The term 'nineteenth' refers to the position of something in a sequential order, specifically indicating that it is the number nineteen in a series. It can denote a rank, a place, or an order, often used in both mathematical and temporal contexts. In historical contexts, it helps identify the nineteenth century, which spanned from the year 1801 to 1900. 'Nineteenth' is commonly used in contexts such as discussing dates, rankings in competitions, or describing sequences.

Synonyms

19th, nineteenth part.

Examples of usage

I finished in nineteenth place in the race.
The nineteenth century brought many changes to society.
She celebrated her nineteenth birthday with friends.
He is the nineteenth person in line.

Interesting Facts

Historical Significance

The nineteenth century witnessed the Industrial Revolution, which radically altered society’s economic and social structures.
In the United States, the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920, granting women the right to vote – a major milestone in suffrage movements.
Many important artistic movements, like Romanticism and Impressionism, flourished in the nineteenth century, influencing literature and visual arts.

Mathematical Context

Mathematically, nineteenth can be expressed as 19/1, indicating it as a distinct fraction and position among numbers.
It is a prime number, meaning it can only be divided evenly by 1 and itself, highlighting its uniqueness in mathematics.
In the context of fractions, one-nineteenth represents a division of 1 into 19 equal parts, illustrating equal sharing concepts.

Cultural References

The phrase 'Nineteenth Hole' is often used in golf to refer to the clubhouse bar – the place to unwind after a game.
The Nineteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution marks a cultural shift towards gender equality in political participation.
Books and films set in the nineteenth century often explore themes of change, exploration, and the struggle for rights.

Science and Technology

In the field of chemistry, some elements are categorized by their location in groups, and the nineteenth element is potassium, essential for life!
Nineteenth-century advancements in technology, like the steam engine, changed transportation and fueled urbanization.
The invention of the telegraph in the nineteenth century revolutionized communication, allowing for rapid information sharing.

Origin of 'nineteenth'

Main points about word origin

The word 'nineteenth' comes from the Old English word 'nineteo', which means 'nine' plus 'teen' to denote counting.
In different languages, the word for this number often includes a root for 'nine', showing a consistent pattern across cultures.
London's Nineteenth century refers to the time period from 1801 to 1900, a time of great change and development.

The word 'nineteenth' is derived from the Old English ‘nīweteð’, which is a combination of ‘nine’ and the suffix ‘-teenth’, indicating the ordinal form. The term has roots in both Germanic languages, where 'nine' translates similarly, and in Latin, where the number is represented as 'novem'. The use of ordinal numbers like 'nineteenth' has been documented since the development of the numerical system, reflecting the human need to organize and categorize quantities. The suffix ‘-teenth’ has its origins in the Old English ‘-tīene’, indicating a specific position in a series, which has evolved through the Middle Ages to the current English form. Thus, 'nineteenth' not only conveys numerical information but also connects historical and cultural aspects of language development.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,336, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

...
3333 guns
3334 nodded
3335 segment
3336 nineteenth
3337 regardless
3338 comprising
3339 shortly
...

Nineteenth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations