Number Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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number
[ˈnʌmbər ]
Definitions
mathematical
An arithmetical value, expressed by a word, symbol, or figure, representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| number |
General term for a quantity or amount. Suitable for both mathematical and everyday contexts.
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| numeral |
Refers specifically to the written symbols that represent numbers. Often used in academic or historical contexts.
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| figure |
Commonly used to refer to numeric representations in financial, formal, or statistical contexts. Can also mean a person's body shape or a drawing.
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| digit |
Refers specifically to any of the ten numerical symbols from 0 to 9. Often used in technical or precise contexts.
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Examples of usage
- I need to multiply these two numbers together.
- What is the square root of this number?
general
An item used to count or measure quantities; a numeral.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| number |
Use when you refer to countable things or discrete entities.
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| quantity |
Use for measurable amounts of countable or uncountable things, often in more formal contexts.
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| amount |
Appropriate for uncountable things or when referring to the total mass or volume of something.
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| total |
Best for indicating the sum or final count of multiple items or amounts.
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Examples of usage
- He won a large number of awards.
- The phone number you have dialed is no longer in service.
informal
A person or thing that is impressive or important.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| number |
Used to refer to a quantity or position in a series. Commonly used in counting, identifying items, or specifying an order.
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| personality |
Used to refer to a set of characteristics or traits that make a person distinct. Also used to describe someone well-known, particularly in the media.
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| celebrity |
Used to describe a famous person, particularly someone known in the entertainment industry. Often implies public recognition and attention.
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| star |
Used to describe a person who is exceptionally famous and successful in their field, especially in entertainment or sports. Occasionally used to refer to astronomical stars.
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Examples of usage
- She's a real number in the fashion industry.
- That car is quite the number.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- Numbers can be classified into various types, like whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, each serving its purpose in arithmetic.
- The concept of zero, which is a number that represents nothing, was first used in ancient India and has a significant impact on mathematics today.
Culture
- In many cultures, certain numbers are considered lucky or unlucky; for example, the number 7 is often thought to bring good fortune.
- In Chinese culture, the number 8 is associated with prosperity, making it a popular choice for business and celebrations.
History
- The earliest known way of counting is tallying, where people would carve notches into sticks or stones.
- The invention of the abacus in ancient Mesopotamia allowed for fast arithmetic calculations and laid the groundwork for future counting tools.
Science
- In computer science, binary numbers (only 0s and 1s) are used for all calculations in digital devices, forming the backbone of modern technology.
- The Fibonacci sequence in mathematics describes a pattern found in nature, where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones, like the number of petals in flowers.
Origin of 'number'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'number' comes from the Latin 'numerus,' which also means 'number' and was used in Roman counting.
- In Old French, the word 'nombrer' meant 'to count,' contributing to our modern understanding of quantity.
The word 'number' originated from the Old French word 'nombre', which in turn came from the Latin word 'numerum'. The concept of numbers has been fundamental to human civilization since ancient times, with various numbering systems and symbols evolving over the centuries to facilitate counting, calculations, and communication of quantities.