Sixteenth: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'sixteona,' meaning 'sixteen'.
• It combines 'six', meaning 6, and 'teen', a suffix used for numbers from 13 to 19.
• In French, the term 'seizième' shows how other languages also contribute to the understanding of ordinal numbers.

Mathematics

• In fractions, the sixteenth represents one part of sixteen equal parts, often seen in measurements like inches.
• It can be represented as 1/16 in fraction form, indicating division or proportions.
• In music, a sixteenth note represents one-sixteenth of a measure, signifying its short duration in a beat.

Cultural References

• Sweet sixteen celebrations in many cultures, especially in America, mark a girl's transition into adulthood.
• In sports, the sixteenth seed in tournaments often represents underdogs, adding suspense to competitions.
• The Sixteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution allows the federal government to collect income tax, which significantly altered fiscal policies.

History

• The sixteenth century was a notable period marked by the Renaissance and significant developments in art and science.
• During the sixteenth century, many European explorers set out to discover new lands, often leading to major historical events.
• In England, the sixteenth century saw the reign of Henry VIII, famous for his six marriages and the formation of the Church of England.

Literature

• Many poetry forms use stanzas or lines that occur in sixteenths, demonstrating the importance of the number in rhythm and structure.
• The sixteenth line in Shakespeare's sonnets often brings a twist or resolution, showing a literary pattern.
• In modern literature, the use of sixteen segments or chapters can create a multi-layered storytelling effect.

At #6,177 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 6174 conditional
• 6175 prohibit
• 6176 readiness
• 6177 sixteenth
• 6178 sliding
• 6179 casual
• 6180 resemblance
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