sixth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “sixth” mean?
Coming after the fifth and before the seventh in a series.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Coming after the fifth and before the seventh in a series; constituting number six in a sequence.
One of six equal parts of something; the position or rank of number six.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Pronunciation differs slightly, with the /θ/ sound more dentalized in British English. No usage differences.
Connotations
Neutral; carries no specific cultural or evaluative connotation beyond its numerical value.
Frequency
Equally common in all varieties of English.
Grammar
How to Use “sixth” in a Sentence
the sixth + [singular countable noun] (e.g., the sixth day)a sixth of + [uncountable or plural noun] (e.g., a sixth of the population)in sixth + [position/place] (e.g., in sixth place)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sixth” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Over a sixth of the electorate remains undecided.
- He plays the interval of a sixth beautifully.
American English
- Cut the pie into sixths.
- She got a sixth of the inheritance.
adjective
British English
- She finished in sixth position in the marathon.
- We're studying the sixth chapter of the book.
American English
- He lives on Sixth Avenue.
- This is the sixth time I've called you.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in rankings, reports (e.g., 'the sixth largest market').
Academic
Common in sequences, historical periods, fractions.
Everyday
Extremely common for dates, positions in queues, lists, and sports.
Technical
Used in mathematics (fractions), music (intervals, chords), and engineering (gears).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sixth”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sixth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sixth”
- Pronouncing it as /sɪks/ (dropping the 'th').
- Misspelling as 'sixt'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. '6th' is the numeric form, used mainly in dates, lists, and notes. 'Sixth' is the word form, used in prose and speech.
It's a cluster of sounds: /ksθ/. Say 'siks' and then add the 'th' sound (as in 'thin') without a vowel break: 'siks-th'.
Yes, when referring to a fraction (one sixth) or a musical interval (a sixth).
'Six' is the cardinal number (6). 'Sixth' is the ordinal number (6th) or a fraction (1/6).
Coming after the fifth and before the seventh in a series.
Sixth is usually neutral in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sixth sense (a supposed intuitive faculty)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'six' and add 'th' – just like 'four' becomes 'fourth'. The 'x' sound stays.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEQUENCE IS POSITION ON A PATH (e.g., 'He is in the sixth year of his journey').
Practice
Quiz
What fraction is equivalent to 'a sixth'?