fortieth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to formal. Most common in written contexts, official lists, dates, and fractions.
Quick answer
What does “fortieth” mean?
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number forty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number forty; position number 40 in a sequence.
One of forty equal parts of something (e.g., a fortieth of an estate); a formal anniversary marking 40 years (e.g., a fortieth anniversary).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. No specific cultural connotations.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both varieties, tied to contexts involving sequencing, anniversaries, or fractions.
Grammar
How to Use “fortieth” in a Sentence
the + fortieth + noun (the fortieth day)ordinal + of + the + noun (the fortieth of the series)one + fortieth + of + noun (one fortieth of the population)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fortieth” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She celebrated her fortieth birthday with a trip to Paris.
- The fortieth chapter resolves the main plot.
American English
- He's planning a big party for his fortieth birthday.
- The fortieth edition of the manual has been revised.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports, milestones, and anniversaries (e.g., 'the company's fortieth year of trading').
Academic
Used in sequencing, dates, historical periods, and fractional mathematics.
Everyday
Most common for birthdays and anniversaries (e.g., 'His fortieth birthday party').
Technical
Used in geography (latitudes), statistics (percentiles), and series numbering.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fortieth”
- Misspelling as 'fourtieth' (incorrect, from the archaic 'fourty').
- Pronouncing the 'th' as /t/ or /s/.
- Using the cardinal form where ordinal is needed (e.g., 'He is forty' vs. 'It is his fortieth').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is spelled 'fortieth'. 'Fourty' is an archaic spelling of the cardinal number, so 'fourtieth' is incorrect in modern English.
It is pronounced as the voiceless dental fricative /θ/ (as in 'think', 'bath'). In some American accents, it may be lightly voiced or flapped in rapid speech, but /θ/ is the standard.
Yes, it can be a substantive ordinal (e.g., 'She was the fortieth') or a fractional noun (e.g., 'He inherited a fortieth of the estate').
'Forty' is a cardinal number denoting quantity (how many). 'Fortieth' is an ordinal number denoting position in a sequence (which one in order) or a fraction (one of forty equal parts).
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number forty.
Fortieth is usually neutral to formal. most common in written contexts, official lists, dates, and fractions. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Life begins at forty (related to the cardinal, not ordinal)”
- “The fortieth parallel”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'FORTY' + the suffix '-ETH' (like twentieth, thirtieth). Remember the spelling change: forty -> fortieth (just like twenty -> twentieth).
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDINAL NUMBERS AS MARKERS ON A PATH (e.g., 'reaching the fortieth milestone on the journey').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following represents the fraction 'one fortieth'?