Four

Definition

Four is a cardinal number that represents the quantity or value equivalent to three plus one. It is used to count or indicate the position of something in a sequence as the fourth item.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɔːr/
• Respelling: for

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɔː/
• Respelling: faw

Etymology

The word "four" originates from the Old English "feower," which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "*fedwōr*" and the Proto-Indo-European "*kʷetwóres*," meaning "four." It has been used in its current form since Middle English.

Derivatives

• Fourth (ordinal adjective/noun)
• Foursome (noun)
• Fourfold (adjective/adverb)
• Fourteen (noun/adjective)
• Fourscore (noun/adjective, archaic)

Synonyms

• Quartet
• Quadruple
• Quartet

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "four" is commonly used in both everyday language and specialized contexts. For example, "There are four seasons in a year," or "He ordered a table for four at the restaurant."

Related Terms

• Number: A mathematical object used to count, label, and measure.
• Quadrilateral: A four-sided geometric figure.
• Quaternary: Consisting of or relating to four parts or units.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The number equivalent to three plus one: Refers to the integer represented by "4."
  • Example: "She has four siblings."
• A group or unit of four things or people: Describes a collection of four entities.
  • Example: "The band performed as a four."

Adjective

• Being one more than three: Used to describe the numerical value or position.
  • Example: "The house has four rooms."