seventh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Neutral
Quick answer
What does “seventh” mean?
Constituting number seven in a sequence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Constituting number seven in a sequence; 7th.
Each of seven equal parts into which something is or may be divided; a musical interval spanning seven diatonic degrees, or a chord based on this.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Pronunciation differs (see IPA). Spelling is identical. 'Seventh' is pronounced with two syllables in careful US speech, but often with one syllable (/sɛnθ/) in casual speech.
Connotations
None.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “seventh” in a Sentence
the [N] of the seventh [N]in the seventh [N]on the seventha seventh of [N]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “seventh” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- She came seventh in the national finals.
American English
- The team ranks seventh in the league standings.
adjective
British English
- He finished in seventh position in the race.
American English
- She lives on the seventh floor of the building.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in rankings, reports (e.g., 'seventh quarterly report').
Academic
Used in sequences, fractions, statistical data.
Everyday
Used for dates, positions, ordering (e.g., 'my seventh birthday').
Technical
In music theory: 'dominant seventh chord'. In sports: specific positions or innings.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “seventh”
- Misspelling as 'sevent' or 'seventh'.
- Incorrect pronunciation: /ˈsiː.vənθ/ or omitting the 'v' sound (/ˈsɛ.nθ/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'seventh' is not a standard verb in modern English.
Carefully pronounce /ənθ/. In casual American speech, the 'v' and following schwa may be elided, making it sound like /sɛnθ/.
'Seven' is a cardinal number (7). 'Seventh' is an ordinal number (7th), indicating position or sequence.
Yes, but the phrasing differs. UK: 'the seventh of May'. US: 'May seventh' or 'May the seventh'.
Constituting number seven in a sequence.
Seventh is usually formal, neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in seventh heaven”
- “seventh-inning stretch”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SEVenTH has 'seven' in it, and the 'TH' sounds like the end of 'sixth' and 'eighth'.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION AS PLACEMENT IN A SERIES (e.g., 'seventh in line'), FRACTION AS A PIECE (e.g., 'a seventh of the pie').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'seventh' used as a fraction?