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Ninth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ninth

[naɪnθ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

ordinal number

The term 'ninth' refers to something that is in the position or rank of nine in a sequence. It is used to denote the order of an item in a list or series, signifying it is the one following the eighth and preceding the tenth. It can also refer to the ninth part or section of a whole, especially in contexts such as education or division of resources. The term is commonly used in mathematics, music, and general enumeration.

Synonyms

9th, ninthly.

Examples of usage

  • She finished ninth in the race.
  • The ninth chapter of the book was intriguing.
  • He ranked ninth in his class.
  • The ninth month of the year is September.
Context #2 | Noun

rank position

As a noun, 'ninth' represents the position of ninth in a sequence or order. It can refer to the ninth person, thing, or event in a specific scenario or list. This usage is often encountered in competitive contexts, such as sports, contests, or rankings, where participants are evaluated based on their performance or placement.

Synonyms

ninth place.

Examples of usage

  • He achieved a ninth in the marathon.
  • Her ninth is a great accomplishment.
  • We celebrated his ninth in the competition.
  • She is in the ninth place on the leaderboard.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In a group of ten, the ninth position is crucial for understanding sequences and sorting.
  • Fractions use ninth as a denominator, as in 'one-ninth,' meaning one part of something divided into nine equal parts.
  • When organizing items, knowing where something falls in the ninth spot helps in navigation and planning.

Music

  • In music theory, a ninth can refer to an interval between two notes that is eight steps apart, providing a rich sound in chords.
  • The ninth symphony is a popular title for monumental works, representing significant compositions in Western classical music.
  • Major and minor scales incorporate ninths, affecting how melodies are created and perceived.

Culture

  • Celebrating a 'ninth' anniversary is often noted with a unique gift or theme to mark the year.
  • In some cultures, escaping a ninth life challenge signifies resilience or strength, adding meaning to the ordinality of 'ninth.'
  • Certain sports use 'ninth' in their scoring and rankings, highlighting individual achievements and placements.

Astronomy

  • In our Solar System, 'ninth' was traditionally considered Pluto's position before the latter's reclassification as a dwarf planet.
  • When studying the heavens, understanding orbits often lists planets in positional order, with 'ninth' denoting Pluto's original slot.
  • Astronomers categorize distant celestial bodies, where 'ninth' might suggest specific identifiers based on distance from Earth.

Origin of 'ninth'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from Old English 'niþa,' which meant 'ninth,' showing its long-standing use in language.
  • Related words in other languages reflect similar roots, like the Latin 'nonus' for 'ninth.'
  • In ancient counting systems, 'ninth' was significant for families and groups, marking order and hierarchy.

The word 'ninth' originates from the Old English term 'nyntha,' which is derived from the Proto-Germanic '*naunthaz.' This relates to the number nine, which itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European root '*newn' meaning 'nine.' Over time, 'ninth' evolved to signify the ordinal form of the number nine, indicating a specific order or position. Its usage has been documented throughout history in various languages, showing its consistent relevance in counting and enumeration. The influence of Latin and Greek on modern languages has also contributed to the understanding and acceptance of the term as an essential aspect of numerical expressions.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,662 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.