How Do You Spell FOURTH?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːθ] (IPA)

The word "fourth" has an interesting spelling that can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is spelled with the letters "fo-u-r-th" but it is pronounced as /fɔːθ/. The "ou" in "four" is pronounced as /ɔː/ and the "r" is pronounced slightly, leading to a longer vowel sound. The "th" at the end is voiced, resembling the sound of "the". Although the spelling may appear confusing, the phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of the word.

FOURTH Meaning and Definition

  1. Fourth is primarily used as an ordinal numeral, representing the number that follows the quantity of three in a series or sequence. It denotes a position or rank that is preceded by the third item. In terms of time, fourth commonly refers to the position that comes after the third in a chronological order or a schedule. For instance, if there are four seasons in a year, the fourth season is generally winter.

    Furthermore, fourth can describe an item whose quantity or amount corresponds to the number four in a set or collection. It signifies that there are precisely four objects or entities present. Additionally, fourth can be used as an adjective to illustrate the quality or characteristics of something that is positioned in the fourth place or relates to the number four.

    The word "fourth" can also be employed as a noun to denote the one holding the position in the fourth place, often used in sports competitions where medals or awards are given based on rankings. It can represent an individual or a team who obtains the fourth highest score, position, or achievement.

    Lastly, Fourth is occasionally used as a reference to Independence Day in the United States, as it denotes the date on which the country celebrates its national independence, the Fourth of July. This reference stems from the fact that the American colonies declared their independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776, thus designating this particular day as the Fourth of July.

  2. Next after the third; ordinal of four.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FOURTH *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FOURTH

Etymology of FOURTH

The word "fourth" originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word "feortha", which is a cognate of the German word "vierte". Both words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*feurtha-" and the Proto-Indo-European root "*kwetwer-", which means "four". This root is also the basis for words like "four" in English, "vier" in German, "cuatro" in Spanish, and "quatre" in French.

Idioms with the word FOURTH

  • break the fourth wall The idiom "break the fourth wall" refers to a technique commonly used in literature, theater, film, and television where a character acknowledges the audience directly, effectively breaking the imaginary barrier that separates the world of the story from the viewer or reader. This can be done through direct address, speaking or gesturing towards the audience, or otherwise making references that indicate the fictional nature of the work. It allows for a moment of self-awareness, humor, or commentary, creating a unique connection between the fictional world and the audience.
  • the Fourth Estate The idiom "the Fourth Estate" refers to the press or media as a crucial and influential institution in society, often playing a vital role in keeping governments, organizations, and other powers accountable through investigative journalism and reporting. It is considered the fourth branch of government, in addition to the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
  • fourth wall joke The idiom "fourth wall joke" refers to a humorous remark or action made by a character in a play, movie, or television show, where they acknowledge the existence of the audience or break the imaginary "fourth wall" that separates the fictional world from the real world. It involves a character directly addressing or interacting with the audience, often for comedic effect or to create a self-aware moment within the narrative.
  • fourth wall The idiom "fourth wall" refers to an imaginary or metaphorical boundary that separates the world of a fictional work, such as a play, movie, or television show, from the world of the audience. Breaking or breaking through the fourth wall occurs when a character or performer acknowledges the audience directly, or when the fictional world of the work collides with the real world in some way. It involves breaking the illusion that the audience is merely observing events, and instead creates a sense of direct interaction or involvement between the characters and the audience.
  • Fourth of July The idiom "Fourth of July" refers to the Independence Day holiday celebrated in the United States on July 4th each year. It commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and signifies the country's freedom from British rule. The idiom can also be used metaphorically to represent patriotism, national pride, or the spirit of liberty.

Similar spelling words for FOURTH

Plural form of FOURTH is FOURTHS

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