fourth
A1Formal, Informal, Academic
Definition
Meaning
Constituting number four in a sequence; the ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 4.
A fraction equal to one quarter (1/4); one of four equal parts; a position following third and preceding fifth; in music, an interval spanning four diatonic scale degrees.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an ordinal number, but also has nominal uses for the fraction and the musical interval. The adverbial form is synonymous with 'fourthly'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK often uses 'fourth' for 1/4, whereas US strongly prefers 'quarter' in everyday contexts. In dates, UK: 'the fourth of July'; US: 'July fourth' is common.
Connotations
Similar. In sports, 'fourth place' carries the same connotation of just missing a medal/podium in both varieties.
Frequency
The word itself is equally frequent. The fraction usage (1/4) is less frequent in US English due to the dominance of 'quarter'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the fourth [singular noun] (the fourth member)a fourth of [uncountable noun] (a fourth of the pie)on the fourth of [month] (on the fourth of May)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Fourth estate (the press)”
- “Fourth wall (theatre/film)”
- “Three-fourths of the law (possession)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reporting: 'Q4' or 'fourth quarter results'. In rankings: 'the company placed fourth in market share'.
Academic
Used in sequencing arguments ('Fourth, we consider...'), citations ('4th edition'), and fractions.
Everyday
Dates, birthdays, positions in queues or competitions, describing fractions of items.
Technical
In mathematics (1/4), music (perfect fourth interval), engineering (fourth gear).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To be 'fourth-ed' means having one's proposal supported by a fourth person in formal debate. (rare/archaic)
adverb
British English
- Fourth, we must address the issue of funding.
American English
- She arrived fourth in the race.
adjective
British English
- He finished in fourth position.
- She was the fourth applicant we interviewed.
American English
- He lives on the fourth floor.
- This is the fourth time I've called.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My birthday is on the fourth of June.
- I live in the fourth house on the street.
- Our team came fourth in the tournament, so we didn't get a medal.
- Cut the cake into fourths so everyone gets an equal share.
- The report is due in the fourth quarter, so we have until September.
- The violinist played a perfect fourth, and the harmony was beautiful.
- The journalist, acting as part of the fourth estate, held the government to account.
- Breaking the fourth wall, the actor addressed the audience directly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FOURth has FOUR letters at the start, reminding you it's the number after three.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEQUENCE IS POSITION ON A PATH (the fourth step on the journey), IMPORTANCE IS HIERARCHY (fourth place is lower than first).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'четвёртый' for the fraction 1/4; use 'четверть' (quarter).
- In dates, Russian uses the cardinal number in the genitive case (четвертого мая), while English uses the ordinal (the fourth of May).
Common Mistakes
- Mispronunciation as /fɔːr/ (like 'for') or /fɔːrð/ (adding voiced 'th').
- Spelling error: 'forth' (which means forward/onwards).
- Incorrect fraction phrasing: 'I ate the fourth of the pizza' (better: 'I ate a quarter of the pizza').
Practice
Quiz
In US English, which phrase is MOST commonly used for 1/4 of a dollar?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Forth' is an adverb meaning forward or onward (e.g., go forth). 'Fourth' is an ordinal number (e.g., the fourth day).
Yes, it can be a noun meaning one of four equal parts (a fourth of the pie) or the musical interval (a perfect fourth).
It is always 'fourth' (the ordinal number) in dates, e.g., 'the fourth of July'.
It is the unvoiced dental fricative /θ/, as in 'thin' or 'math'. Be careful not to pronounce it as /fɔːr/ or /fɔːrð/.