The spelling of "fourth quarter" is straightforward, with each word being spelled exactly how it sounds. "Fourth" is pronounced as /fɔːθ/, with the "th" sound being produced by placing the tongue between the teeth and exhaling air. "Quarter" is pronounced as /ˈkwɔː.tər/, with the "kw" sound being produced by making a "k" sound while rounding the lips. Together, "fourth quarter" refers to the final 15 minutes of a sporting event or quarter of a fiscal year.
The term "fourth quarter" is predominantly used in the financial and business sectors to refer to the last three months of a company's fiscal year, which typically covers the period from October to December. It is often denoted as Q4 or 4Q. This division of the year into quarters facilitates revenue and expense tracking, as well as performance evaluation.
The fourth quarter holds great significance in the business world as it is widely recognized as a critical period for many enterprises. It represents the culmination of annual efforts and has a significant impact on a company's financial standings. During this time, businesses review their objectives and make final attempts to meet or exceed their targets. They often engage in strategic planning, introduce new products, launch marketing campaigns, and utilize various sales tactics to boost sales and maximize profits. The fourth quarter is a busy, decisive period in which companies may experience heightened pressure to achieve their financial goals.
Additionally, in the context of sports, the term "fourth quarter" refers to the final period of a game, mainly in sports like basketball, football, and hockey. It signifies the end of the competition and often determines the winner. Similar to its meaning in finance, the fourth quarter in sports is known for intense action, teams employing last-minute strategies, and critical plays that can significantly impact the final outcome.
The word "fourth" derives from the Middle English word "fourthe", which incorporates the Old English word "feaower", meaning "four".
On the other hand, "quarter" originates from the Latin word "quartarius", which refers to "a fourth part". This Latin term is derived from "quartus", meaning "fourth".
When combined, "fourth quarter" essentially implies the last or final fourth part of something, typically used to denote a specific period within a year, such as the three-month period from October to December in the calendar.