How Do You Spell FORTY?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔːti] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "forty" may seem unusual, but it's actually quite consistent with English phonetics. The combination of the letters "f-o-r-t-y" is pronounced as /ˈfɔːrti/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The reason for the spelling is because English used to have a system of number words that ended in "-ty" instead of "-teen" (e.g. thirty, fifty). This system has mostly disappeared, but "forty" is one of the few remnants. So while it may look strange, "forty" is just following the rules of English spelling and pronunciation.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
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FORTY Meaning and Definition

  1. Forty is an adjective and number that typically represents the quantity or value of four times ten, equivalent to the Arabic numeral 40. It falls between the numbers thirty-nine and forty-one in the numerical sequence. The word "forty" is derived from the Old English word "feowertig," which literally means "four tens." It is commonly used in both written and spoken language to denote a specific quantity, age, or period.

    As a quantity, "forty" often represents a sizable amount, implying a significant number or a large extent of something. It is used to describe a grouping of objects totaling forty, or to indicate a numeral that corresponds with the value of forty. In terms of age, "forty" refers to an individual who has reached the milestone of forty years since birth. It is frequently associated with middle age and is considered a significant transition period in a person's life.

    Further, "forty" can also be employed to denote a duration or a specific period. It can refer to a span of time that encompasses forty units, whether those units are minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years. This usage is often encountered in expressions like "forty days and forty nights," which is a biblical allusion to a period of prolonged duration or testing.

    In summary, "forty" is an adjective and number that signifies the value of four times ten and is used to describe quantity, age, or duration.

  2. Four times ten.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for FORTY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for FORTY

Etymology of FORTY

The word "forty" comes from Old English "feowertig", which is a combination of "feower" meaning "four" and "tig" meaning "group of ten". It is related to other Germanic languages such as Dutch "veertig" and German "vierzig", all deriving from the same Proto-Germanic root.

Idioms with the word FORTY

  • Forty acres and a mule "Forty acres and a mule" is an idiom that refers to a promise made to newly freed African American slaves in the United States during the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. It symbolizes the idea of reparations and land redistribution, where each former slave would be entitled to receive 40 acres of land and a mule to further their economic independence and social integration. However, this promise was largely unfulfilled, signifying broken promises and the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
  • catch forty winks The definition of the idiom "catch forty winks" is to take a short nap or rest, typically lasting for a brief period of time or a quick snooze.
  • Life begins at forty. The idiom "Life begins at forty" suggests that one's life becomes more fulfilling or enjoyable after reaching the age of forty. It implies that individuals may experience newfound energy, wisdom, or personal growth as they progress through their forties and beyond.
  • forty ways from Sunday The idiom "forty ways from Sunday" means in every possible way or to a great extent. It implies that something is done thoroughly, extensively, or completely.
  • forty ways to Sunday The idiom "forty ways to Sunday" is an expression that means in every conceivable or possible way; thoroughly or completely. It implies that a task or situation has been extensively and exhaustively explored or examined from every angle or perspective.
  • back forty The idiom "back forty" refers to a remote or secluded area of land, typically a large field or farm located far away from the main living or working area. It is often used to describe a place that is difficult to access or seldom visited.
  • forty winks The idiom "forty winks" refers to a short nap or a brief period of sleep, usually lasting for a short duration.
  • forty minutes of hell The idiom "forty minutes of hell" refers to a challenging or intense period of time filled with difficult or exhausting circumstances. This phrase often conveys the idea of enduring a prolonged and demanding experience, typically used in sports contexts to describe intense competition or an exceptionally challenging game.
  • go two-forty

Similar spelling words for FORTY

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Correct spelling for forty
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