forty-ninth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal and Informal
Quick answer
What does “forty-ninth” mean?
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 49.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 49; coming next after the forty-eighth.
Denoting position, rank, or a specific item in a sequence identified by the number 49.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Spelling remains 'forty-ninth' in both variants (unlike the 'fourty' misspelling).
Connotations
Neutral. Can be used literally or to imply a late or near-middle position in a sequence.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects due to its fundamental, unambiguous numerical nature.
Grammar
How to Use “forty-ninth” in a Sentence
the + forty-ninth + nounbe + the + forty-ninthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “forty-ninth” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- He finished forty-ninth in the London Marathon.
American English
- She placed forty-ninth nationwide in the spelling bee.
adjective
British English
- She celebrated her forty-ninth birthday with a quiet dinner.
American English
- He is the forty-ninth president of the United States.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to fiscal quarters, rankings, or anniversary years.
Academic
Used in sequencing, referencing (e.g., chapter 49), or historical periods.
Everyday
Common for birthdays, anniversaries, positions in queues or lists.
Technical
Used in mathematics, indexing, and geolocation (e.g., latitude).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forty-ninth”
- Writing 'fourty-ninth' (incorrect spelling of 'forty'), omitting the hyphen, using '49th' in formal prose where words are required.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, ordinal numbers from twenty-first to ninety-ninth are hyphenated when written out.
Yes, '49th' is the numerical form and is acceptable in most contexts, but 'forty-ninth' is preferred in formal writing.
The most common mistake is spelling it as 'fourty-ninth'. Remember, 'forty' drops the 'u' from 'four'.
Yes, 'the forty-ninth state' is a historical reference to Alaska before Hawaii became the 50th state.
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 49.
Forty-ninth is usually formal and informal in register.
Forty-ninth: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːti ˈnaɪnθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːrti ˈnaɪnθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the forty-ninth parallel”
- “The forty-ninth state (historical/political reference to Alaska)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'fort' (forty) having its 'ninth' (ninth) tower. The fort with nine towers is the 'forty-ninth'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION AS NUMBER IN A SEQUENCE (e.g., 'He finished forty-ninth' maps competition to a numerical line).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct written form?