The word "sixteen" is spelled as [sɪkˈstiːn]. The /s/ sound at the beginning is followed by the short vowel /ɪ/ and the consonant cluster /ks/. The next vowel is a long /i/ sound, followed by the consonant /t/. The final syllable has the long vowel /iː/, followed by the consonant /n/. It can be confusing for English learners because the word doesn't follow the traditional spelling pattern of "six" and "teen", but instead is a combination of sounds that are not always intuitive.
Sixteen is a cardinal number that comes after fifteen and before seventeen. It represents the quantity or count of sixteen units, individuals, or items. It is commonly represented by the Arabic numeral 16.
In terms of basic mathematics, sixteen is known as a square number, as it can be represented by a perfect square with equal sides. In the metric system, sixteen is also used to denote units of measure, such as the sixteen ounces in a pound.
The word "sixteen" is derived from the Old English word "sixtene." While the word itself does not possess any inherent meaning beyond its numerical value, it can be used in various contexts to describe quantities, ages, dates, or divisions.
In the context of age, sixteen is a significant milestone for many individuals as it marks the transition from childhood to adolescence in many cultures. It is often associated with gaining certain privileges, such as obtaining a driver's license or being eligible to work legally in some jurisdictions.
In terms of divisibility, sixteen is notable for its divisibility by numbers such as two, four, and eight, as it can be equally divided by these factors. Additionally, sixteen has cultural significance in some contexts. For example, the age of sixteen is often celebrated with coming-of-age ceremonies or parties in different cultures around the world.
Six and ten; the number after fifteen.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "sixteen" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled "sixtēne". It is derived from the combination of "six" (meaning six) and "-tēne" (a suffix used to form numerals from 13 to 19). The suffix "-tēne" originated from an earlier form "-tīene" borrowed from West Germanic languages. These forms, in turn, stem from Proto-Germanic "*tehuniz". The word "sixtēne" gradually evolved into the modern form "sixteen" through various changes in pronunciation and spelling over time.