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Numerals Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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numerals

[ˈnjuːmərəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

counting system

Numeral is a word or symbol used to represent a number. It can be a digit, a letter, or a combination of both. Numerals are used in mathematics, language, and various other fields to represent quantities.

Synonyms

digit, figure, number.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
numerals

Used when referring to symbols representing numbers, especially in a historical or technical context.

  • Roman numerals are often used in clocks.
  • The numerals on the ancient manuscript were hard to read.
number

The most general term that can refer to countable or measurable amounts in a variety of contexts.

  • What is your phone number?
  • A large number of people attended the event.
digit

Refers to individual numerical symbols from 0 to 9. Often used in the context of mathematics or when emphasizing single elements in a number.

  • The number 123 has three digits.
  • Please enter the last digit of your phone number.
figure

Commonly used to refer to numerical values, especially statistics, data or when talking about quantities in a more abstract sense.

  • The sales figures for this quarter are impressive.
  • She was proud of the figure she saw on the scale.

Examples of usage

  • Roman numerals are one example of a numeral system.
  • In English, we use Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) for counting.
Context #2 | Noun

in linguistics

Numeral can also refer to a word that expresses a number. In linguistics, numerals can be classified as cardinal (one, two, three) or ordinal (first, second, third) depending on their function.

Synonyms

count word, number word.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
numerals

This term is suitable for academic or formal discussions when referring to the symbols used to represent numbers, often in mathematics or technical fields.

  • The numerals on the clock face are Roman.
  • Arabic numerals are widely used around the world today.
number word

This phrase can be used in educational settings, especially when teaching children about numbers and basic arithmetic. It refers to the word form of numbers, such as 'one', 'two', etc.

  • Children learn number words before they learn numerals.
  • Let's write the number words for these numbers.
count word

This isn't a commonly used term, but it might be understood in contexts where distinguishing between types of words in language learning or linguistics, especially with reference to grammatical rules about counting.

  • In English, we add an 's' to make count words plural.
  • Can you identify the count words in this sentence?

Examples of usage

  • "Three" is a cardinal numeral, while "third" is an ordinal numeral.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The earliest known numeral system, dating back to around 3000 BC, was developed by the Sumerians, using clay tokens.
  • Roman numerals, still used today, originated in ancient Rome and rely on combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet.

Mathematics

  • Numerals are fundamental in mathematics and have evolved from simple tally marks to complex systems like decimal and binary.
  • The Arabic numeral system, which includes digits 0-9, was developed in India and spread through the Islamic Golden Age, revolutionizing mathematics.

Cultural Significance

  • In Chinese culture, certain numerals are considered lucky or unlucky, influencing business and life decisions.
  • The significance of numerals varies widely; for example, in some cultures, the number 13 is seen as bad luck, while in others it is neutral.

Technology

  • In computer science, binary numerals (0 and 1) form the basis of all computer processing and digital communication.
  • GPS systems and modern technology use numerals to provide precise measurements of distance and location.

Origin of 'numerals'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'numeralis,' meaning 'of numbers,' highlighting its connection to counting.
  • In ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, numerals were essential for trade, measuring land, and recording history.

The word 'numeral' originated from the Latin word 'numeralis', which means 'of or belonging to numbers'. The concept of using numerals to represent quantities dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Over time, different numeral systems have evolved, each with its own symbols and conventions. Numerals play a crucial role in mathematics, language, and everyday life, facilitating communication and computation.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,904, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.