THIRTY THIRD Meaning and
Definition
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"Thirty third" is an adjective used to describe the ordinal number that follows thirty-two and precedes thirty-four in a series. It represents the quantity and order of being in the position or rank that comes after thirty-two others but before thirty-four others. The term "thirty third" is primarily used in mathematics, counting, sequencing, or any context where numbers are organized in a sequential manner.
In a numeral format, "thirty third" is represented as "33rd." The "thirty" component conveys the value of three tens, signifying the number 30, while the "third" portion indicates that it is the third iteration or occurrence of the base number, maintaining the same units' position. This expression can be applied to a multitude of scenarios, such as placing in a race, indicating the 33rd-highest rank in a list, or representing the 33rd day of a month.
Furthermore, "thirty third" can be used figuratively, indicating a position of moderate significance within a system, hierarchy, or range. It signifies a middle ground between the beginning and end, suggesting a state of progression or advancement. Whether in a literal or metaphorical sense, "thirty third" serves to identify and establish a specific point in a sequence, emphasizing the differentiation it holds within the numerical order.
Etymology of THIRTY THIRD
The word "thirty third" is formed by combining the cardinal number "thirty" with the ordinal suffix "-th".
The term "thirty" originated from the Old English word "thrítig", which is a derivation of the Germanic root "thri", meaning "three", and the suffix "-tig", which indicates ten. In the English language, this suffix is commonly used to form multiples of ten from three to nine (e.g., forty, fifty, etc.).
The ordinal suffix "-th" in "thirty third" is also of Old English origin and was used to construct ordinal numbers from cardinal numbers. It corresponds to the Old English "-otha" and "-tha" suffixes, which were used similarly. Over time, "-th" became the standard ordinal suffix for most numbers in the English language.
