Ten Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ten
[ten ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Noun
number
The number ten is the base of the decimal numeral system, by far the most common system of denoting numbers in both spoken and written language.
Examples of usage
- There are ten fingers on a human hand.
- A decade consists of ten years.
- The metric system is based on units of ten.
Context #2 | Noun
sports
In various sports, a group or team of ten players, such as in football, cricket, or basketball.
Examples of usage
- A football team typically consists of eleven players, with ten on the field at a time.
- The basketball team was down by ten points in the final quarter.
Context #3 | Noun
ranking
A score of ten out of ten, indicating a perfect or flawless performance.
Examples of usage
- The movie received a perfect ten from all the critics.
- She rated the restaurant a ten for its excellent service.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Numerical Significance
- In many cultures, ten is considered a complete number, symbolizing fullness, like having ten toes or ten fingers.
- The decimal system, which we use for counting and calculations, is based on the number ten.
- In Roman numerals, ten is represented by the letter 'X', which is often seen in ancient texts and as a symbol for a kiss (X) in letters.
Cultural References
- The phrase 'top ten' is commonly used in music and film to refer to the best or most popular items in lists.
- In sports, teams often strive to be in the top ten rankings, highlighting their skills and achievements.
- The 'Ten Commandments' in many religious texts guide ethical behavior and moral principles.
Mathematics
- Ten is a composite number, meaning it is made up of two smaller whole numbers multiplied together: 2 and 5.
- In geometry, a ten-sided polygon is called a decagon, showcasing the number's importance in shapes and forms.
- When using base 10 in mathematics, it relies on powers of ten (e.g., 10, 100, 1,000) for larger calculations and number representation.
Psychology
- People often find it easier to remember items in groups of ten, a phenomenon utilized in marketing and education.
- Cognitive studies suggest that breaking information into 'chunks' of ten can enhance memory retention.
- The '10-second rule' in decision-making encourages people to pause for ten seconds to consider their choices, promoting thoughtful responses.
Literature
- The number ten frequently appears in literature and fairy tales, such as 'Ten Little Indians,' emphasizing both storytelling structure and culture.
- In children's counting books and rhymes, ten is often used as a cheerful end point that children can easily grasp.
- Shakespeare often used the number in his plays to create structure and rhythm, demonstrating its literary importance.
Origin of 'ten'
The word 'ten' comes from the Old English 'tฤซen', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'tehun'. The number ten has been significant in various cultures and religions throughout history. It is often associated with completeness, perfection, and order due to its basis in the decimal system.