Twenty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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twenty
[ˈtwɛnti ]
Definitions
number
The number 20.
Synonyms
20.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twenty |
Used in casual conversation, informal settings, or when spelling out numbers is preferred for clarity.
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| 20 |
Used in formal writing, technical contexts, or situations requiring brevity or precision, such as in tables, lists, or mathematical expressions.
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Examples of usage
- I have twenty dollars in my wallet.
- There are twenty students in the classroom.
age
The age of twenty years old.
Synonyms
20 years old.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twenty |
Used when talking about the age of someone in a more casual or conversational tone. It's often used interchangeably with '20 years old'.
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| 20 years old |
Used when specifying someone's age.
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Examples of usage
- She is in her twenties.
- At twenty, he started his own business.
time
A time of day that is 20 minutes past the hour.
Synonyms
20 minutes past the hour.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twenty |
Used for counting or when simply referring to the number 20.
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| 20 minutes past the hour |
Used when telling time specifically indicating that it is 20 minutes after the given hour.
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Examples of usage
- The meeting is scheduled for twenty past three.
- The train leaves at twenty past the hour.
score
A score of twenty points in a game or competition.
Synonyms
20 points.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| twenty |
This word is often used in general contexts to express the number 20, be it for age, quantity, or time.
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| 20 points |
Use this phrase in contexts where scores, ratings, or measurements are discussed, particularly in games, exams, competitions, or evaluations.
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Examples of usage
- The team won by twenty points.
- She scored twenty out of twenty-five.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In mathematics, twenty is considered an even number and is a composite number, as it can be divided evenly by 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, and 20.
- In the base-10 number system, twenty signifies a complete set of two tens, which is fundamental in understanding larger numbers.
- When counting by fives, you reach twenty after four counts: 5, 10, 15, and then 20.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, the age of twenty is seen as a significant transition to adulthood, often marking new responsibilities.
- There are 20 fingers on ten people, which can be a fun way to think of how we count and group in society.
- In Tarot, the 20th major arcana card, 'Judgment', symbolizes renewal and a calling to one's higher purpose.
Language
- The phonetic sound of 'twenty' can be reminiscent of the word 'twine', which means to twist together, portraying the idea of two groups coming together.
- Many languages have unique words for 'twenty', showcasing diverse linguistic roots; for example, in French, it’s 'vingt'.
- In some languages, 'twenty' reflects a base-20 counting system, highlighting cultural variations in numerical understanding.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'Twenty Something' often refers to young adults navigating their first decade of independence after teenage years.
- A popular game show 'Twenty One' focuses on knowledge and strategic thinking around the concept of numbers.
- In music, the song 'Twenty One' by Adele relates to themes of love and emotional growth around the age of transition.
Origin of 'twenty'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'twenty' comes from the Old English word 'twentig', which means 'two tens'.
- In Latin, 'twenty' is 'viginti', showing how different languages approach counting.
- The number has its roots in the Proto-Germanic *twentigaz, reflecting the ancestry of many European languages.
The word 'twenty' originated from Old English 'twentig', which is related to Old Frisian 'twintich' and Old High German 'zwanzig'. The base of the word is the Proto-Indo-European root 'dwi-' meaning 'two'. The concept of twenty as a numerical value has been present in various ancient civilizations and continues to be a significant number in modern times.