fourpence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical/archaic. Most common in historical texts, literature, and fixed expressions.
Quick answer
What does “fourpence” mean?
The sum of four pence, specifically referring to a historical British coin of minimal value.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sum of four pence, specifically referring to a historical British coin of minimal value.
Can refer to the coin itself, a small amount of money, or be used figuratively to denote something of little value or worth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is exclusively British/Irish/Commonwealth due to its origin in the pre-decimal British currency system. It has no direct equivalent in American history or usage.
Connotations
In British usage, strongly connotes a historical or archaic context. Can carry connotations of poverty, thrift, or trivial sums (e.g., 'not worth fourpence'). In American contexts, it is a purely historical/foreign term with no inherent connotation.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in modern British English, found almost exclusively in historical works, period dramas, or the fixed idiom. In American English, frequency is virtually zero outside of specific historical or literary study.
Grammar
How to Use “fourpence” in a Sentence
BE worth ~ (not worth fourpence)cost ~ (It cost fourpence.)sell for ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fourpence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- a fourpence stamp (historical)
- the fourpence piece
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used in modern business. Only relevant in historical financial analysis.
Academic
Used in historical, numismatic (coin study), or literary studies.
Everyday
Not used. Might appear humorously or in reference to old sayings (e.g., 'I wouldn't give fourpence for it').
Technical
Specific to numismatics (coin collecting) and economic history.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fourpence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fourpence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fourpence”
- Using it as a modern monetary term. Pronouncing it as 'four-pence' with equal stress on both words (the correct pronunciation is 'FORE-pence'). Confusing it with 'four pennies' (modern coins).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The British pre-decimal coinage system, which included fourpence coins (groats), was demonetized in 1971.
'Fourpence' (or four-pence) specifically refers to the historical sum or coin. 'Four pence' could refer to four modern decimal pennies (worth 4p), though this phrasing is less common than 'four p'.
This is an example of historical compounding and reduction. In many old British monetary terms ('twopence', 'threepence'), the number element is reduced and the stress shifts to the first syllable, obscuring the original separate words.
There is no direct equivalent. The closest historical American coin in terms of being a small base-metal piece might be the 'large cent' or 'half dime', but these are not analogous in value or cultural resonance.
The sum of four pence, specifically referring to a historical British coin of minimal value.
Fourpence is usually historical/archaic. most common in historical texts, literature, and fixed expressions. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not worth fourpence / a brass farthing / a tinker's cuss (all meaning completely worthless).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FOUR old PENCE coins, smaller than modern pennies, adding up to a 'groat' – a tiny fraction of an old pound.
Conceptual Metaphor
MINIMAL VALUE IS A SMALL COIN (e.g., 'His opinion isn't worth fourpence').
Practice
Quiz
In which of the following contexts would the word 'fourpence' be most appropriately used today?