THREE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "three" refers to the cardinal number that comes after the number two and before the number four. It is a numerical value that represents the concept of counting or quantifying three objects or individuals. The symbol used to represent three in most numeral systems is "3".
In mathematics, three is considered a prime number, as it can only be divided evenly by one and itself. It is also the second smallest prime number after number two. Additionally, three is an odd number, meaning it is not divisible by two.
In various cultures and belief systems, the number three holds symbolic significance. It is often associated with concepts such as completeness, unity, and balance. The idea of "trios" or "triads" is embodied in many aspects of life, including religious trinities, three-act structures in storytelling, and three phases of matter (solid, liquid, gas).
In everyday usage, "three" is commonly employed to denote an exact count of three, as well as to describe relationships involving three entities. For example, a "three-layer cake" refers to a cake with three distinct layers, while "three siblings" signifies a family with three children.
Overall, "three" serves as a fundamental building block in numerical systems and holds diverse symbolic interpretations, making it an important and versatile number.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THREE *
* 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 THREE
Etymology of THREE
The word "three" can be traced back to its Old English root "threo" or "thrie". It has cognates in several Germanic languages, including Old Frisian "thre" and Old Norse "thrir". These can be further traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thrijiz", which ultimately derives from the Proto-Indo-European root "*treyes". This root signifies the concept of "three" and has given rise to similar words in many other Indo-European languages, such as Latin "tres", Greek "treis", Sanskrit "traya", and others.
Idioms with the word THREE
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the three Rs
The idiom "the three Rs" stands for "reading, writing, and arithmetic." It is used to refer to the basic skills taught in elementary education, emphasizing the importance of these fundamental subjects in the overall education of individuals.
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be three sheets to the wind
The idiom "be three sheets to the wind" means to be heavily intoxicated or drunk. It refers to a person who is so drunk that they are stumbling or swaying like a ship with its sails (sheets) loose in the wind, suggesting a complete loss of control or balance due to excessive alcohol consumption.
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three sheets in the wind
The idiom "three sheets in the wind" refers to someone who is heavily intoxicated or drunk. It is often used to describe someone who is stumbling, slurring their words, or acting incoherently due to excessive alcohol consumption. The idiom originates from sailing terminology, where a "sheet" is a rope that controls the sails of a ship. If three sheets (ropes) are loose or not secured, the sails will flap haphazardly in the wind, causing the ship to lose control and become unsteady, much like a person who is excessively drunk.
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three bricks shy of a load
The idiom "three bricks shy of a load" is used to describe someone who is considered unintelligent or mentally deficient. It implies that the person is lacking in understanding or awareness, as if they are missing a few necessary components to complete a task or comprehend a situation fully.
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the three R's
The idiom "the three R's" refers to the basic skills traditionally taught in schools: reading, writing, and arithmetic (also known as literacy and numeracy skills). It is often used to emphasize the importance of these fundamental subjects in education.
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three cheers for
The idiom "three cheers for" refers to expressing enthusiastic support, praise, or celebration for someone or something. It is typically used to show appreciation or approval for a person, an accomplishment, an idea, or an event. The phrase originates from the tradition of giving three shouts of praise or encouragement, often accompanied by clapping or cheering.
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three bags full
The idiom "three bags full" is a phrase derived from a nursery rhyme and commonly used figuratively. It refers to someone who is overly compliant, submissive, or excessively obedient, allowing others to take advantage of them. It implies having no autonomy or standing up for oneself, often in a situation where one is taken advantage of without question.
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page three girl
The idiom "page three girl" refers to a colloquial term primarily used in British media. It originally referred to a photograph of a topless or semi-nude female model featured on the third page of certain tabloid newspapers. Nowadays, it is more broadly used to describe any young, attractive woman who is chosen to appear in a similar provocative manner in media publications.
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those three little words
The idiom "those three little words" typically refers to the three words "I love you." It commonly suggests the expression of strong emotions or sentiments.
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three dog night
The idiom "three dog night" refers to a very cold night when it is necessary to snuggle with or have three dogs in bed to keep warm. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to indicate an extremely cold or uncomfortable situation.
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three strikes and (one's) out
The idiom "three strikes and (one's) out" originates from the game of baseball. It refers to the rule in baseball that allows a batter three unsuccessful attempts to hit the ball before being declared out. In a broader sense, the idiom represents a situation where someone has exhausted all their chances or opportunities and will face consequences or be deemed unsuccessful.
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didn't exchange more than three words with sm
The idiom "didn't exchange more than three words with someone" means that two individuals had limited or minimal communication, often indicating a brief or insignificant interaction. It suggests that the conversation or interaction was very brief, not substantial, or lacking in depth or meaningful communication.
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the three strikes rule
The idiom "the three strikes rule" refers to a policy or system where a severe punishment or consequence is imposed after someone commits a specific offense or mistake three times. It suggests that after three infractions or failures, there will be no further leniency, and a harsh penalty or punishment will be applied.
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clogs to clogs in three generations
The idiom "clogs to clogs in three generations" refers to the observation that wealth or prosperity accumulated in one generation tends to dissipate or be lost by the third generation. It suggests that the first generation creates wealth through hard work and diligence, the second generation enjoys and maintains that wealth, but the third generation, lacking the same work ethic or financial acumen, squanders the wealth and returns to a state of poverty or minimal means.
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didn't exchange more than three words with (one)
The idiom "didn't exchange more than three words with (one)" means that two people had very limited or minimal communication. It implies that they only spoke briefly or superficially, without engaging in any meaningful or substantial conversation.
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didn't exchange more than three words with someone
The idiom "didn't exchange more than three words with someone" means to have had a very brief or extremely limited conversation with someone, typically indicating a lack of familiarity or minimal interaction with that person.
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Moving three times is as bad as a fire
The idiom "Moving three times is as bad as a fire" means that the process of moving residences multiple times can be as stressful, disruptive, and chaotic as experiencing a destructive fire. It emphasizes the difficulties and hardships associated with frequently changing homes or living situations.
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didn't exchange more than three words with
The idiom "didn't exchange more than three words with" refers to a situation where two people have had very little or minimal interaction. It implies that there was only a brief or limited conversation between them, with no extensive or meaningful communication taking place.
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three squares (a day)
The idiom "three squares (a day)" refers to a concept of having three complete and well-balanced meals during a single day. It typically implies having breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and suggests the idea of regular and sufficient food intake to meet one's nutritional needs. The term "square" may be a reference to the traditional shape of plates or meals served in the past.
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three strikes against someone
The idiom "three strikes against someone" refers to a situation where someone has encountered three significant failures, setbacks, or disadvantages that make success or progress difficult. It originates from the game of baseball, where a batter is allowed three strikes before being declared out. This idiom implies that the person has already faced multiple obstacles or failures, making it increasingly challenging for them to achieve their desired outcome.
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Three strikes and you are out
The idiom "Three strikes and you are out" is a metaphorical expression referring to a rule or system in which someone is given multiple opportunities or chances to succeed, but if they fail or make mistakes three times, they will face severe consequences or be permanently disqualified. It often implies that after a certain number of failures, no further chances will be given. The phrase originates from baseball, where a batter is allowed three unsuccessful attempts to hit the ball before being called "out."
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three strikes and you’re out
The idiom "three strikes and you’re out" refers to a consequence or punishment where someone will be permanently disqualified or removed from a situation or opportunity after a certain number of failed attempts or mistakes. It is often used in sports, games, or situations where a person is given three chances, and if they fail on the third attempt, they are no longer allowed to participate or continue trying.
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be (as) easy as one-two-three
The idiom "be (as) easy as one-two-three" means to be very simple, straightforward, or easy to do. It compares the ease of a task to the simple act of counting from one to three.
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queer as a three-dollar bill
The phrase "queer as a three-dollar bill" is an idiom used to describe something or someone as strange, suspicious, or not genuine. It implies that the person or thing is fake or unusual.
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the best of three, five, etc.
The idiom "the best of three, five, etc." refers to a situation where a competition consists of a series of rounds, with the winner being the participant who wins the majority of the rounds (i.e., the best out of the total number of rounds).
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three's a crowd
"Three's a crowd" is an idiom that means a situation where three people have difficulties interacting comfortably because they interfere with each other or someone feels left out. It generally implies that a group of three is too many and that two people would be better suited for whatever activity or situation is being discussed.
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the (three) Wise Men
The idiom "the (three) Wise Men" refers to a group of influential or knowledgeable individuals who are highly respected for their wisdom, insight, or expertise in a particular field. It can also refer to the biblical figures from the Christian nativity story who brought gifts to the infant Jesus.
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seven-seven-three-aitch
The idiom "seven-seven-three-aitch" is a way of referring to perfection or excellence. It is often used in a somewhat jocular or informal manner to describe something that is of high quality or extremely well done.
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twenty-three skidoo
An old-fashioned American slang phrase used to tell someone to scram, leave quickly, or go away.
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as phony as a three-dollar bill
The phrase "as phony as a three-dollar bill" is used to describe something that is clearly fake or fraudulent. It implies that like a three-dollar bill, which does not exist as legal tender, the thing being referred to is not genuine or trustworthy.
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three-finger salute
The idiom "three-finger salute" refers to a gesture of raising three fingers of one hand to show defiance, disrespect, or dissent. This gesture is often used to signal disapproval or disagreement in a non-verbal manner.
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easy as one-two-three
The idiom "easy as one-two-three" means something that is very simple or easy to do. It is often used to describe a task that can be completed quickly and with little effort.
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the (three) unities
The idiom "the (three) unities" refers to the three principles of dramatic structure that were established by Aristotle in ancient Greek theatre. These principles include unity of action, unity of time, and unity of place, which together are believed to create a more coherent and effective story for the audience.
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three-ring circus
A situation or event that is chaotic, noisy, and confusing, typically involving a lot of people or activity.
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Two is company, three's a crowd
This idiom means that two people are happy or comfortable together, but adding a third person makes the situation awkward or unwanted. It implies that a third person can disrupt the harmony or intimacy between two people.
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as queer as a three-dollar bill
Idiom: as queer as a three-dollar bill
Meaning: extremely odd, strange, or suspicious; not genuine or authentic
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like a three-ring circus
The idiom "like a three-ring circus" is used to describe a situation or event that is chaotic, busy, and confusing, similar to the atmosphere of a circus with multiple performances happening simultaneously.
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a three-alarm fire
A situation or event that is very intense, serious, or out of control; typically used to describe something chaotic or concerning.
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phony as a three-dollar bill
The idiom "phony as a three-dollar bill" means something or someone that is fake, fraudulent, or not genuine. It implies that three-dollar bills do not exist and are therefore fake, just like the thing or person being described as "phony".
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a three-ring circus
A situation or event that is chaotic, noisy, disorganized, or confusing, resembling the tumultuous atmosphere of a circus with multiple simultaneous performances or events.
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leaves of three, let it be
This idiom is a cautionary phrase used to warn people about plants with leaves that grow in clusters of three, such as poison ivy. It advises people to avoid these plants to prevent an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
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two's company, three's a crowd
This idiom means that two people spending time together is enjoyable and intimate, but adding a third person can make the situation uncomfortable or awkward.
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a three-finger salute
A three-finger salute is a slang term for the act of simultaneously pressing the keys Ctrl + Alt + Del on a computer keyboard, which is used to reboot or access the task manager on a computer. This term is often used humorously or informally to refer to this action.
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Two is company, (but) three's a crowd.
This idiom means that two people are better company than three, as adding a third person can make a situation awkward or uncomfortable.
Similar spelling words for THREE
- tree,
- there,
- throe,
- thiry,
- theory,
- thoreau,
- thor,
- Thierry,
- Thayer,
- Their,
- Thora.
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