thirty-ninth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “thirty-ninth” mean?
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 39.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 39; coming after the thirty-eighth in a series.
Can denote a position, rank, or item in a sequence; also used to indicate a fraction (one thirty-ninth).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and hyphenation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, following general frequency of ordinal numbers.
Grammar
How to Use “thirty-ninth” in a Sentence
the + thirty-ninth + nounbe + the + thirty-ninthfinish + thirty-ninthVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thirty-ninth” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She celebrated her thirty-ninth birthday with a trip to Cornwall.
- The thirty-ninth chapter resolves the main plot.
American English
- He's running his thirty-ninth marathon in Chicago.
- The Thirty-ninth Amendment is rarely cited.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports, rankings, or sequences (e.g., 'Our branch ranked thirty-ninth in national sales').
Academic
Used in referencing (e.g., 'See the thirty-ninth footnote'), historical sequences, or statistical listings.
Everyday
Common for birthdays, anniversaries, positions in queues or competitions.
Technical
Used in precise sequencing, such as in software versions, legal clauses, or scientific data points.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thirty-ninth”
- Writing as 'thirty ninth' without the hyphen when used as an adjective.
- Confusing with the cardinal 'thirty-nine'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., the thirty-ninth day). When used as a noun, it can be written with or without the hyphen, though hyphenation is common.
'Thirty-nine' is a cardinal number (quantity: 39). 'Thirty-ninth' is an ordinal number (position: 39th).
In British English: /ˌθɜːti ˈnaɪnθ/. In American English: /ˌθɜːrti ˈnaɪnθ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'ninth'.
Yes, for example: 'He came in thirty-ninth.' or 'Let's discuss the thirty-ninth of the list.'
The ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number 39.
Thirty-ninth is usually neutral to formal in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'thirty' (30) plus 'ninth' (9th) = 39th. Remember the hyphen connects the tens and the units place.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION AS A POINT ON A PATH (e.g., 'We've reached the thirty-ninth milestone').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'thirty-ninth' correctly?