How Do You Spell FIFTH?

Pronunciation: [fˈɪfθ] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "fifth" may seem confusing because of its silent "f". However, the word is spelled phonetically based on its pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription for "fifth" is /fɪfθ/, which breaks down to the pronunciation of "fif" (rhyming with "lift") and "th" (like the "th" sound in "bath"). The spelling of "fifth" also follows the rule of using the suffix "-th" to indicate ordinal numbers, such as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth.

FIFTH Meaning and Definition

  1. Fifth, as a numeral, refers to the number following four and immediately preceding six in a sequence. It is an ordinal number, indicating the position of something in a series or order. The term "fifth" is derived from the Old English word "fifte," meaning "five."

    As an adjective, "fifth" describes something that occurs after four others in a sequence or is ranked fifth. In this sense, it implies the object is positioned in the middle of a series of five items. For example, in a list of numbers, the fifth number is the one that comes after the fourth but before the sixth.

    Being the ordinal form of "five," the adjective "fifth" can also be used to describe the position of a person or an item. For instance, in a competition or a race, the person finishing as the fifth would be ranked between the fourth and sixth participants.

    In music, "fifth" primarily refers to the interval between two notes that have a ratio of 3:2 or are five diatonic scale degrees apart. It is often considered a consonant and stable interval and has significant importance in harmony and chord progressions.

    In summary, "fifth" indicates the number occurring after four and before six. It serves as an adjective to describe something in the middle of a series of five or ranked as number five. Additionally, in music, it references a specific interval between notes or chords.

  2. Ordinal of 5; next after the fourth; one of five equal parts; in music, an interval of three tones and a semitone.

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

Top Common Misspellings for FIFTH *

* 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 FIFTH

Etymology of FIFTH

The word "fifth" has its roots in Old English. It can be traced back to the Old English word "fīfta", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fimftô". This Proto-Germanic word also gave rise to related terms in other Germanic languages, such as German "fünfte" and Dutch "vijfde". Ultimately, the word can be linked to the Indo-European root "penkwe", meaning "five", which is also the origin of the number itself.

Idioms with the word FIFTH

  • I take/plead the Fifth (Amendment) The idiom "I take/plead the Fifth (Amendment)" is a legal term used in the United States that refers to a person's right to refuse to answer questions in a court of law in order to avoid self-incrimination. It is based on the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects individuals from being compelled to be witnesses against themselves in criminal cases.
  • take the fifth (amendment) To "take the fifth (amendment)" is an idiom that refers to the act of invoking the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. It means to refuse to answer a question or provide self-incriminating information in a legal proceeding or official inquiry in order to avoid potential criminal prosecution. This idiom is commonly used when someone declines to testify or speak on a matter that could implicate them in illegal activities.
  • plead the Fifth The idiom "plead the Fifth" refers to the act of exercising the Fifth Amendment right in the United States Constitution, which protects a person from self-incrimination. It means to refuse to answer a question or make a statement that may subject oneself to criminal prosecution or reveal potentially harmful information.
  • take/plead the fifth The idiom "take/plead the fifth" is a legal term that refers to the act of refusing to answer a question, typically in a court of law, on the grounds that it may incriminate oneself. It is based on the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects individuals from being compelled to be witnesses against themselves.
  • plead the Fifth (Amendment) The idiom "plead the Fifth (Amendment)" refers to the act of refusing to answer a question or make a statement, particularly in a legal or formal setting, based on the protection against self-incrimination provided by the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. It grants individuals the right to remain silent and not provide any testimony or information that may be used against them in a criminal trial or legal proceeding.
  • fifth column The idiom "fifth column" refers to a group of people who support and work secretly within a country, organization, or group, but are actually working in favor of the enemy or opponents. They often engage in espionage, sabotage, or subversion to undermine and weaken the group or cause from within.
  • fifth columnist The idiom "fifth columnist" refers to a person who actively sympathizes with and supports an enemy group, often within their own country, and engages in activities that undermine or sabotage their own side's efforts. It suggests someone who secretly works against their own country or cause.
  • take the Fifth The idiom "take the Fifth" refers to the act of refusing to answer a question or provide self-incriminating information, particularly in a legal or formal setting. It alludes to the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which grants individuals the right to remain silent and protects them from being compelled to testify against themselves in a criminal case. "Taking the Fifth" is often exercised when one wishes to avoid potential legal consequences or safeguard their interests.
  • a fifth/third wheel The idiom "a fifth/third wheel" refers to a person who is present in a social situation but is not needed or included in the activities or conversations, thus feeling excluded or superfluous.
  • fifth wheel The idiom "fifth wheel" refers to a person who is superfluous or unnecessary in a particular situation, often feeling left out or intruding upon the activities of others.
  • third wheel or fifth wheel The idiom "third wheel or fifth wheel" refers to a person who is present in a social or romantic situation but feels unnecessary or left out. It often implies that the individual is intruding on a situation where they are not needed or wanted, making them feel out of place or like they do not belong.
  • a fifth wheel The idiom "a fifth wheel" refers to a person or thing that is unnecessary, superfluous, or has no useful purpose or role in a particular situation or group. It implies that the individual or object does not fit in or contribute to the functioning or dynamics of the situation.

Similar spelling words for FIFTH

Plural form of FIFTH is FIFTHS

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