fifth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
High (A1 level)Formal, informal, academic, legal, everyday
Quick answer
What does “fifth” mean?
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number five.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number five; position five in a sequence.
One of five equal parts of something; a fraction (1/5). Also used to refer to an amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing specific rights.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. The main differences are in pronunciation (see IPA). In legal contexts, 'pleading the Fifth' is a U.S.-specific reference to the Fifth Amendment.
Connotations
In the UK, 'fifth' commonly refers to a bottle of spirits (a fifth of a gallon, approx. 750ml). In the US, this usage is archaic but understood; the constitutional reference is highly salient.
Frequency
As a basic ordinal, frequency is identical. The legal idiom is far more frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “fifth” in a Sentence
the fifth + [singular noun] (the fifth day)a fifth of + [noun] (a fifth of the population)to come/finish in fifthto be fifth in + [sequence]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fifth” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He finished fifth in the London Marathon.
American English
- She came in fifth at the state finals.
adjective
British English
- She celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary.
American English
- He is in fifth grade this year.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Sales ranked fifth in the regional market."
Academic
"The experiment was repeated for a fifth time to ensure reliability."
Everyday
"My flat is on the fifth floor."
Technical
"The piston fires on the fifth stroke of the cycle."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fifth”
- Mispronunciation: saying /fɪf/ or /fɪθ/ incorrectly.
- Spelling error: 'fith'.
- Grammar: Using 'the five' instead of 'the fifth' for ordinal position (e.g., 'He was the five in line').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It contains a consonant cluster (/fθ/) where both sounds are fricatives made with different articulators (lip-teeth and tongue-teeth), which is uncommon and physically tricky.
No, it is a common misspelling. The correct spelling is 'fifth', following the pattern of 'fourth' and 'sixth'.
No, 'fifth' is not standardly used as a verb. It is primarily an ordinal number (adjective/adverb) and a noun.
It refers to a traitor or saboteur operating within a country's borders, derived from the Spanish Civil War where General Mola spoke of four columns advancing on Madrid and a 'fifth column' of supporters inside the city.
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number five.
Fifth is usually formal, informal, academic, legal, everyday in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “plead the Fifth (US)”
- “take the fifth (US)”
- “fifth column”
- “fifth wheel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a gift (sounds like 'fifth') that arrives on your fifth birthday.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION IS A NUMBER (e.g., being 'fifth' maps a spatial/sequential position onto a numerical value).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'a fifth' express in 'a fifth of the voters'?