cardinal number: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Academic, Technical, Educational
Quick answer
What does “cardinal number” mean?
A number used in counting (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A number used in counting (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 10) that indicates quantity, as opposed to order or position.
In set theory, a concept that denotes the size or cardinality of a set.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling conventions for written numerals (e.g., use of commas in large numbers) follow regional norms.
Connotations
Identical academic connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in US academic writing on mathematics education.
Grammar
How to Use “cardinal number” in a Sentence
'cardinal number' + of + [set/group]the cardinal number + is + [numeral]distinguish between + 'cardinal number' and ordinal numberVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cardinal number” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (No common verb use)
American English
- (No common verb use)
adverb
British English
- (No common adverb use)
American English
- (No common adverb use)
adjective
British English
- The cardinal number system is taught first.
American English
- Cardinal number words like 'five' denote quantity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in data analysis contexts (e.g., 'cardinal number of data points').
Academic
Common in mathematics, linguistics, philosophy, and early education research.
Everyday
Uncommon except when discussing teaching children to count.
Technical
Core term in mathematics (set theory, number theory) and descriptive linguistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cardinal number”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cardinal number”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardinal number”
- Using 'cardinal number' to mean a very important number.
- Confusing it with 'ordinal number' in instructions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in modern set theory, zero is the cardinal number of the empty set.
Cardinal numbers answer 'How many?'. Ordinal numbers answer 'In what order?' or 'Which position?'.
For finite quantities, they often refer to the same set {0, 1, 2, 3...} or {1, 2, 3...} depending on definition. 'Cardinal number' is a broader concept that includes transfinite numbers for infinite sets.
Rarely. Use it mainly when you need to be precise about the distinction from 'ordinal number', such as when explaining grammar or teaching basic maths.
A number used in counting (e.
Cardinal number is usually academic, technical, educational in register.
Cardinal number: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːdɪn(ə)l ˈnʌmbə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːrdɪnl ˈnʌmbər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none specific to this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CARDinals at the Vatican – they are the main (cardinal) priests. CARDINAL numbers are the main numbers for counting.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE OBJECTS (we 'have' a cardinal number of items).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a cardinal number?