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Five

UK /["/faɪv/"]/US /["/faɪv/"]/

Definition

The number equivalent to the sum of four and one.

In simple words: The number after four and before six.

Examples

  • I have five apples in my bag.
  • There are five days in a work week.
  • The score was five to three in the game.
  • Five friends went to the park yesterday.
  • Can you count to five without stopping?

Usage notes

Use 'five' in counting or when specifying a quantity. Common in both spoken and written English. Avoid in formal mathematical contexts where numerals are preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone number

Memory hint

Five fingers on one hand — imagine counting them.

Collocations

  • five minutes
  • five dollars
  • five years

Synonyms

  • 5
  • V
  • fivefold

Antonyms

  • zero
  • none

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'five' with the Roman numeral 'V'.
  • Pronouncing it incorrectly as 'fife'.
  • Using 'five' when referring to the number four.