Twelve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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twelve
[twɛlv ]
Definitions
number
Equivalent to the sum of six and six; one more than eleven; 12.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twelve |
As this is a repetition of the first word, the context remains the same: Best used in everyday conversations, when referring to the number 12 straightforwardly.
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| dozen |
Often used to describe quantities, particularly in commercial or retail settings, or when referring to 12 items collectively.
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| duodecad |
This term is very old-fashioned and rarely used in modern language. It might appear in historical or academic texts.
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Examples of usage
- He was twelve years old when he started playing the piano.
- The clock struck twelve midnight.
time
Twelve o'clock, either noon or midnight.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twelve |
This word is used again as a repetition and likely a clerical error. Refer to the first entry for its context and examples. |
| midday |
Use this term to refer specifically to 12:00 PM, the middle point of the day. It's often used in schedules and to denote a break or specific time of day.
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| midnight |
This term refers specifically to 12:00 AM, the very start of a new day. It is often used in contexts involving time, especially for events happening late at night or early morning.
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Examples of usage
- Let's meet at twelve for lunch.
- The movie starts at twelve.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, twelve is often viewed as a significant number, such as the twelve months in a year and twelve zodiac signs.
- Many religions feature twelve important figures or groups, including the twelve apostles in Christianity.
- The traditional calendar consists of twelve hours on a clock face, making it a vital part of timekeeping.
Science
- In chemistry, twelve is the atomic number of magnesium, a key element for life.
- There are twelve cranial nerves in the human body that are essential for function and sensation.
- In biology, many organisms follow a pattern of twelve, especially in their reproductive cycles or structures.
Literature
- In Shakespeare's play 'Twelfth Night', the title suggests themes of love and gender identity, highlighting the number's literary connections.
- The classic 'Twelve Labors of Hercules' refer to the series of tasks undertaken by the hero Hercules, showcasing twelve's role in mythology.
- Twelve is often a number associated with coming-of-age stories, marking a transition from childhood to adolescence in various narratives.
Pop Culture
- The popular movie series 'The Oceans' features 'Ocean's Twelve,' emphasizing teamwork and adventure among a group of thieves.
- In video games, 'Final Fantasy XII' showcases the number as part of its title, signifying continuity in a beloved series.
- The song 'Twelve Days of Christmas' celebrates this number, detailing various gifts received each day, illustrating its festive associations.
Origin of 'twelve'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'twelve' comes from the Old English 'twelf', which means 'two left' from the base number 'ten'.
- In many languages, 'twelve' reflects its roots involving 'two' (like 'duo') indicating its position after ten.
- The concept of twelve is quite ancient, with evidence of its use appearing in various early civilizations for counting systems.
The word 'twelve' comes from the Old English word 'twelf', which is a combination of 'two' and 'leof' meaning 'left' or 'remaining'. In many cultures and traditions, twelve holds significance as a complete and perfect number, often representing completion or wholeness. The number is commonly used to represent time with twelve hours on a clock face and twelve months in a year. 'Twelve' is a fundamental numeral in many counting systems and has been an essential part of human language for centuries.