How Do You Spell FOUR?

Pronunciation: [fˈɔː] (IPA)

The word "four," pronounced /fɔr/, has a simple and consistent spelling. The first sound, /f/, is commonly spelled with the letter "f," while the second sound, /ɔr/, is spelled with the letters "ou" and "r." The sound /ɔr/ is known as a diphthong, a combination of two vowel sounds in a single syllable. Mastering the spelling of the word "four" can help non-native speakers learn the English language and differentiate it from other languages.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Basic Check Advanced Check

FOUR Meaning and Definition

  1. Four is a cardinal number, denoted by the symbol "4," that represents the quantity or count of four units. It is an integer that falls between three and five in a basic numerical sequence. Four is widely used in various contexts to describe a specific quantity, position, or category.

    In terms of quantity, four refers to a total of four individual items, entities, or elements. It can indicate a count of four distinct objects, people, or things. For example, when referring to a group of people, four signifies the presence of four individuals in that gathering.

    In relation to position, four can describe the sequential placement of an item in a series, particularly when there are four elements involved. It is commonly used to signify the fourth position or step within a progression. For instance, in a relay race, the fourth runner is the one who takes over the baton for the final leg of the race.

    Additionally, four can be associated with various categories or classifications. It is often linked to the concept of quadrilaterals, as well as four-sided shapes, such as squares or rectangles. Four also corresponds to the number of equal divisions or sections when something is divided into four parts, like the four seasons in a year.

    Overall, the term "four" is a versatile word that plays a significant role in numerical systems, organizational structures, and geometric arrangements, indicating the quantity, position, or categorization of four units or elements.

  2. Two and two.

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

Top Common Misspellings for FOUR *

* 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 FOUR

Etymology of FOUR

The word "four" comes from the Old English word "fēower", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*fedwōr". This Proto-Germanic word has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word "*qwetwor-". Throughout history, the term has undergone phonetic changes and variations across different languages and cultures, resulting in the word "four" as used in English today.

Idioms with the word FOUR

  • four-letter word The idiom "four-letter word" refers to a word that is considered vulgar, offensive, or profane, typically containing four letters. It implies that the word is socially unacceptable or taboo to use in polite or formal conversation. However, the phrase is sometimes used metaphorically to describe any word or concept that is sensitive, controversial, or unpleasant to discuss openly.
  • four-one-one The idiom "four-one-one" is a colloquial term commonly used in the United States, which means to gather information or obtain details about something or someone. It is derived from the three-digit telephone number 4-1-1, which is traditionally used to access directory assistance or obtain specific information such as phone numbers or addresses. Hence, the idiom "four-one-one" is often used figuratively to refer to the act of seeking or sharing knowledge or details about a particular subject.
  • ten-four The idiom "ten-four" originated from radio communication and is commonly used to mean "message received and understood," "affirmative," or "acknowledged." It is often used to confirm understanding, agreement, or compliance with instructions.
  • two-by-four The idiom "two-by-four" refers to a piece of lumber or wood that measures approximately 2 inches by 4 inches in cross-sectional dimensions. It can also be applied figuratively to describe a simple, straightforward, or direct approach to solving a problem or addressing an issue.
  • the Four Hundred The idiom "the Four Hundred" refers to a social elite or influential group of people. It originated in the late 19th century to describe the prominent families of high society in New York City. The term "Four Hundred" was derived from the concept that only approximately 400 individuals had enough wealth and social standing to be considered part of this privileged class.
  • four sheets in the wind The idiom "four sheets in the wind" refers to someone who is extremely drunk or intoxicated. It originates from nautical terminology, where a "sheet" refers to a rope or line used to control a sail. When all four sheets are released or set loose in the wind, the sail becomes uncontrollable, causing the ship to lose its balance and become unstable - just like someone who is heavily intoxicated.
  • four corners of the earth, the The idiom "four corners of the earth" refers to the entire world or all parts of the globe. It suggests that something or someone has been or will be found in every corner or remote location on Earth.
  • these four walls The idiom "these four walls" refers to the immediate physical surroundings or confines, usually of a closed space like a room or a building, in which someone feels confined or isolated. It suggests a sense of being trapped, emotionally or mentally, within a limited space or environment.
  • four score and seven years ago The idiom "four score and seven years ago" refers to a historical time measurement that quantifies four times twenty plus seven, which equals 87 years. It specifically alludes to the opening phrase of the Gettysburg Address by President Abraham Lincoln, where he used this expression to refer to the creation of the United States, which happened 87 years prior to his speech in 1863.
  • the four corners of the world The idiom "the four corners of the world" is used to describe every part or place in the world. It emphasizes the idea of encompassing or reaching to all corners of the globe, implying extensive knowledge, influence, or coverage.
  • to the four winds The idiom "to the four winds" means to scatter or spread something in all directions, or to disperse or distribute widely. It refers to something being propelled or carried away by the wind to various places.
  • the four corners of the earth The idiom "the four corners of the earth" refers to all directions or distant places in the world. It implies that something or someone has reached or covered every possible location or has been widely dispersed. It is often used to emphasize the vastness, extent, or global reach of something.
  • be scattered to the four winds The idiom "be scattered to the four winds" means to be dispersed or spread in various directions or locations, often resulting in disorganization or lack of cohesion. It suggests that something or someone has become scattered or fragmented, making it difficult to regather or consolidate.
  • all/the four corners of the world/earth The idiom "all/the four corners of the world/earth" is used to describe a vast or comprehensive range or extent, implying that something or someone is known or present in every part or corner of the world. It emphasizes the idea of universality or global reach.
  • the four corners of the earth/world The idiom "the four corners of the earth/world" refers to all or every part of the world or the entire globe. It suggests the idea of reaching every possible location or covering every corner and signifies a wide or extensive scope.
  • four wheels The idiom "four wheels" typically refers to a vehicle, especially a car, as it highlights the four wheels that support and enable its movement.
  • a four-letter word The idiom "a four-letter word" refers to a short word that is often considered vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate. It is commonly used to imply words of profanity or strong language that society considers taboo or indecent.
  • Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse The idiom "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" refers to a biblical concept found in the Book of Revelation. It represents a metaphorical portrayal of four horsemen who symbolize doom, destruction, and the end of the world. Each horseman is associated with a specific color and represents a distinct aspect of disaster: conquest (white horse), war (red horse), famine (black horse), and death (pale horse). The phrase is often used figuratively to describe a group or set of disastrous events or forces that may bring about widespread devastation or chaos.
  • twenty-four seven The idiom "twenty-four seven" refers to something that happens continuously, without interruption, around the clock, or all day, every day. It emphasizes the constant and unceasing nature of an activity or availability.
  • four sheets to the wind The idiom "four sheets to the wind" is a nautical phrase that is used to describe someone who is extremely drunk or intoxicated. It refers to the image of a ship that has lost control of its four sails (sheets) and is consequently being tossed around uncontrollably by the wind. Therefore, when someone is "four sheets to the wind," it suggests that they are completely unsteady and out of control due to excessive alcohol consumption.
  • four sheets
  • four-oh-four
  • four-topper
  • gentleman of the four outs
  • four-eyes Four-eyes is a derogatory term used to refer to someone who wears glasses.
  • four-cycle The idiom "four-cycle" refers to a repeating pattern or sequence of events that occurs four times before returning to the starting point.
  • clue-by-four Clue-by-four is a humorous or sarcastic term used to describe someone who is slow to understand or receive a clue, as if they were being hit over the head with a large piece of wood (a 2x4) in order to get their attention and make them understand something obvious.
  • four-leaf clover A rare clover leaf with four leaflets instead of the usual three, believed to bring good luck to the finder.
  • four-cy·cle A four-cycle is an idiom that refers to a repetitive pattern or sequence of events that occur in a regular cycle or rhythm, typically consisting of four distinct phases or stages.
  • four-flusher A four-flusher is someone who pretends to be more impressive or skilled than they really are, specifically in order to deceive or impress others.
  • like cheese at four pence The idiom "like cheese at four pence" is used to describe something that is very cheap or easily available. It originates from a time when cheese was a common and inexpensive commodity, so comparing something to cheese at four pence suggests that it is widely accessible and not highly valued.
  • four-bits The idiom "four-bits" is a colloquial term that was used to refer to 50 cents in the past. It comes from the fact that a dollar was divided into eight "bits," with each bit being worth 12.5 cents. So, four bits would equal 50 cents.
  • the sixty-four-dollar question The sixty-four-dollar question is an idiom that refers to a particularly difficult or critical question, often one that is central to an issue or situation. It originates from a popular American radio quiz show in the 1940s and 1950s where the top prize was $64, hence a question worth asking.
  • firing on all (four) cylinders This idiom means to be operating at maximum capacity or efficiency. It is often used to describe someone who is working at their best or something that is functioning perfectly.
  • four-bagger The idiom "four-bagger" refers to hitting a home run in baseball, where the batter is able to reach all four bases and score a run.
  • sixty-four-dollar question The idiom "sixty-four-dollar question" refers to an especially difficult or crucial question or decision, often one that has high stakes or is pivotal in determining the outcome of a situation. It implies that the answer to the question is not easily or readily apparent.
  • the sixty-four thousand dollar question The idiom "the sixty-four thousand dollar question" refers to a very important or difficult question that needs to be answered or a crucial issue that needs to be resolved. It implies that the question is of great significance and has considerable consequences depending on the answer.

Similar spelling words for FOUR

Plural form of FOUR is FOURS

Infographic

Correct spelling for four
Add the infographic to your website: