Ninety Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ninety

[ˈnaɪn.ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Number

cardinal

Nine tens.

Examples of usage

  • There are ninety minutes in an hour.
  • The temperature is ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
  • She scored ninety percent on the test.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In Roman numerals, ninety is represented as 'XC', showcasing a combination of ten subtracted from one hundred.
  • Ninety is a composite number, which means it can be divided by numbers other than one and itself, having factors like 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 15, 18, 30, 45, and 90.
  • Ninety is also significant as it is the highest two-digit whole number.

Culture

  • In some cultures, the number ninety is associated with longevity, often referenced in celebrations or milestones.
  • When examined in numerology, ninety is often seen as a number representing completion and fulfillment.
  • Ninety is a common benchmark for age, marked by special celebrations and recognitions of a long life.

Science

  • Ninety degrees is a significant angle in geometry, representing a right angle that is critical in construction and design.
  • The human body temperature is sometimes referenced around ninety-eight degrees Fahrenheit, close to the number we're discussing.
  • In chemistry, the 'nineties' often relate to research focusing on rapid advancements in the fields, such as technology and drug developments.

Literature

  • In literature, ninety can symbolize a transitional phase, seen in character development and plot progression.
  • Authors often play with numbers, using the idea of eighty-nine and ninety as metaphors for growth or significant change in narratives.
  • Ninety is sometimes used in poetry to evoke feelings of nostalgia, creating a link between past and present.

Origin of 'ninety'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ninety' comes from the Old English word 'nigon tymde', meaning 'nine tens'.
  • In Latin, the number is called 'nonaginta', which also refers to nine groups of ten.
  • The base structure of the number shows the combination of 'nine' and a suffix meaning 'ten times'.

The word ninety originated from the Old English word nigon-tig, which means nine tens. The word has been used to represent the number 90 since the Middle English period. In early English, the word was often written as nigon-tig or nigon-tigonti. Over time, the spelling evolved to the modern form 'ninety'. The concept of counting in tens is common in many languages, and the word ninety reflects this practice. The number ninety holds significance in various contexts, such as time, temperature, and percentages.


See also: nine, ninefold.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,930, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.