Numeral: meaning, definitions and examples

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numeral

[ˈnjuːmərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

A numeral is a symbol or group of symbols that represents a number. Numerals are used for counting, measuring, ordering, and identifying quantities.

Synonyms

digit, figure, number.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
numeral	Used in contexts relating to symbols or characters that represent numbers, often in historical or linguistic discussions. The Roman numeral for 10 is X Arabic numerals are commonly used in most parts of the world
number	A general term useful in any situation involving counting, mathematics, or identification. It can represent both individual and grouped quantities. What is your phone number? We need to add these numbers together
figure	Appropriate in contexts involving statistical data, finance, or when referring to numerical representations of amounts, often implying something larger or more complex. The unemployment figure has risen this month He earns a six-figure salary
digit	Best used when referring to individual numbers from 0 to 9, usually in discussing the components of larger numbers or basic counting. The number 345 has three digits She entered the wrong digit on the keypad

Examples of usage

In the numeral '123', '1' represents hundreds, '2' represents tens, and '3' represents units.
Roman numerals are a system of numeral notation that uses letters to represent numbers.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

linguistics

In linguistics, a numeral is a word used to express a quantity, such as 'three', 'twenty', or 'hundred'. Numerals can be cardinal (one, two, three) or ordinal (first, second, third).

Synonyms

number word, quantity word.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
numeral	Used to refer specifically to symbols or characters that represent numbers. The Roman numeral IX represents the number 9. Please enter the numeral for your birth year.
number word	Used in grammar and linguistics to refer to words that represent numbers, often spelled out. The number word 'fifty' can be tricky for children to spell. In the sentence, 'She has three cats,' 'three' is a number word.
quantity word	Used in more technical or instructional contexts to discuss words that represent amounts or measurements. In programming, a variable might hold a quantity word. The lesson focused on teaching children different quantity words like 'few,' 'several,' and 'many.'

Word

Description / Examples

numeral

Used to refer specifically to symbols or characters that represent numbers.

The Roman numeral IX represents the number 9.
Please enter the numeral for your birth year.

number word

Used in grammar and linguistics to refer to words that represent numbers, often spelled out.

The number word 'fifty' can be tricky for children to spell.
In the sentence, 'She has three cats,' 'three' is a number word.

quantity word

Used in more technical or instructional contexts to discuss words that represent amounts or measurements.

In programming, a variable might hold a quantity word.
The lesson focused on teaching children different quantity words like 'few,' 'several,' and 'many.'

Examples of usage

In the sentence 'I have three apples', 'three' is a numeral expressing the quantity of apples.
Ordinal numerals indicate the position of an element in a sequence, such as 'first', 'second', 'third'.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'numeral' comes from the Latin 'numeralis', which means 'of a number'.
Its roots can be traced back to 'numerus', the Latin word for 'number', showing the connection between symbols and counting.
The term has been in use since the late Middle Ages, originally referring to simple counting symbols.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, numerals are not just a way to count; they can represent philosophical ideas, like in Buddhism where certain numbers have spiritual meanings.
Ancient Egyptians used a complex system of hieroglyphs for numerals, showing their advanced understanding of mathematics and record-keeping.
In some indigenous cultures, numbers play a role in storytelling, with specific numerals symbolizing tribal beliefs or practices.

Science and Mathematics

Numerals are pivotal in mathematics, forming the basis of arithmetic, algebra, and beyond, allowing for complex calculations.
Different numeral systems exist, such as binary (base 2), decimal (base 10), and hexadecimal (base 16), used in computing.
The concept of zero, represented as a numeral, revolutionized mathematics by allowing for the representation of nothingness and enabling place value systems.

Psychology

Research shows people often visualize numbers as spatial shapes in a phenomenon called 'number form', aiding in our understanding of quantity.
The 'numerical cognition' in humans is a significant area of study, exploring how we understand and process numbers in various contexts.
Studies have indicated that teaching numerical concepts through visual aids can significantly enhance learning and memory retention in children.

Literature and Arts

Many authors have used numerals symbolically in literature to convey deeper meanings, such as the number three representing harmony or balance.
In visual arts, numerals can serve as a motif, often used to challenge the observer’s perception of order and chaos.
The poem 'Eldorado' by Edgar Allan Poe uses numbers poetically to emphasize themes of searching and the passage of time.

Translations

Translations of the word "numeral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 numeral

🇮🇳 संख्या

🇩🇪 Zahl

🇮🇩 angka

🇺🇦 число

🇵🇱 liczba

🇯🇵 数字 (すうじ)

🇫🇷 numéral

🇪🇸 número

🇹🇷 sayı

🇰🇷 숫자 (sutja)

🇸🇦 عدد

🇨🇿 číslo

🇸🇰 číslo

🇨🇳 数字 (shùzì)

🇸🇮 število

🇮🇸 tala

🇰🇿 сан

🇬🇪 რიცხვი

🇦🇿 rəqəm

🇲🇽 número

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,760, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17757 derogatory
17758 astrology
17759 reconstructing
17760 numeral
17761 paltry
17762 scrip
17763 sharpening
...