nineteenth
C1Neutral to formal
Definition
Meaning
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 19; the position between 18th and 20th.
One of 19 equal parts of something (nineteenth = 1/19). Also used to designate things, events, or people associated with the number 19 in a sequence, particularly historical periods (e.g., the 19th century).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a determiner, adjective, or noun. The noun form for a fraction ('one nineteenth') is less common but standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or primary use. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical. Often associated with the 19th century, which carries similar historical/cultural connotations (Industrial Revolution, Victorian era, etc.) in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher in academic/historical contexts referencing centuries.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the + nineteenth + noun (the nineteenth floor)ordinal + of + month (the nineteenth of July)a + nineteenth + of + whole (a nineteenth of the profit)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the nineteenth hole (golf: the clubhouse bar)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in sequential reporting ('Our revenue ranked nineteenth in the sector').
Academic
Common in historical studies ('nineteenth-century philosophy'), mathematics ('one nineteenth'), and literature.
Everyday
Used for dates, birthdays, positions in queues or competitions.
Technical
Used in precise sequencing and fractional calculations.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- They live on the nineteenth floor of the new tower.
American English
- The amendment was ratified in the nineteenth century.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My birthday is on the nineteenth of March.
- The team finished a disappointing nineteenth in the league.
- The museum's exhibition focuses on late nineteenth-century art movements.
- Her analysis posits that a nineteenth of the total population was directly affected by the policy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
'Nine' + 'teen' + 'th'. Remember it follows the same pattern as 'fourteenth' or 'sixteenth'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION AS LOCATION IN A SERIES (e.g., 'She finished in nineteenth place on the grid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'девятнадцатый номер' for 'number nineteen' – 'nineteenth' is an ordinal, not the cardinal number itself.
- Note the pronunciation difference: the final 'th' /θ/ sound, not a 't' or 's'.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'ninteen', 'ninteenth' (omitting the second 'e').
- Pronunciation: mispronouncing the 'th' cluster /nθ/ as /nt/.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common non-literal meaning of 'the nineteenth hole'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it can be a noun meaning 'position 19' (e.g., 'He came in nineteenth') or 'one of nineteen equal parts' (e.g., 'a nineteenth of the estate').
Write 'nineteenth'. The 'th' suffix is always used for this ordinal number.
Pronouncing the consecutive consonant sounds /n/ and /θ/ at the end clearly, without inserting a vowel or changing the /θ/ to /t/.
Because it refers to the sequence of centuries from the first (years 1-100) onwards. The 19th century covers the years 1801-1900.