Sixteenth Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The word 'sixteenth' is derived from the Old English term 'sēxteōnth', which combines the word for six, 'sēx', and the suffix '-teenth', which is used to form ordinal numbers. This construction reflects a common practice in the construction of numerals in English, where the base number is combined with a suffix to denote its ordinal form. The use of '-teenth' appears commonly in numbers from thirteenth to nineteenth, highlighting a system of numbering that dates back to before the Norman Conquest. Over time, 'sixteenth' has maintained its place in the English language, as both an ordinal number and in various contexts, such as time, music, and grading.

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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