Quarter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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quarter
[ˈkwɔːtər ]
Definitions
time measurement
A quarter is a unit of time equal to 15 minutes, one-fourth of an hour.
Synonyms
15 minutes, one-fourth of an hour.
Examples of usage
- The meeting will start in a quarter.
- She arrived a quarter past three.
coin value
A quarter is a coin worth 25 cents in the United States.
Synonyms
25 cents, twenty-five cents.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quarter |
Same as the first entry for 'quarter', as it has dual meanings of the coin and one-fourth segment. No additional context needed.
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| 25 cents |
Typically used in written or more formal contexts when specifying an amount of money. It is often seen on pricing labels or in written descriptions where precise amounts are needed.
|
| twenty-five cents |
Used similarly to '25 cents' but is more common in spoken language. It provides clarity in conversations where the amount of money is being discussed or when less formal phrasing is appropriate.
|
Examples of usage
- I need a quarter to use the vending machine.
- He gave me two quarters for the parking meter.
academic term
A quarter is one of four equal periods of instruction into which a school year is divided.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quarter |
Typically used in North American educational institutions to divide the academic year into four equal parts.
|
Examples of usage
- The fall quarter starts in September.
- She will be studying abroad next quarter.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'quarter'
The word 'quarter' originated from the Old English word 'cwēnertēg', which meant 'one-fourth of something'. It has been used to denote a period of time, a coin value, and an academic term. The concept of a quarter has been widely adopted in various aspects of life, from time measurements to financial transactions and education systems.