A11K

Third

UK /["/θɜːd/"]/US /["/θɜːrd/"]/

Definition

3rd

In simple words: The number three in order or position.

Examples

  • Today is the third (of May).
  • the third century BC
  • It's her third birthday.
  • My office is on the third floor.
  • It's the third time that I've been to America.
  • Her mother had just given birth to another child, her third.
  • the world’s third-largest oil exporter
  • He finished third in the race.
  • Edward III *(= Edward the Third)*

Usage notes

Used to describe the position in a sequence. Formal contexts might require more clarity (like 'the third option'), while informal contexts can be more casual.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'third' as 'third base' in baseball, the next position after second.

Collocations

  • first
  • middle
  • final
  • divide something into
  • third of
  • about a third
  • almost a third
  • at least a third

Synonyms

  • tertiary
  • thirdly
  • threefold

Antonyms

  • first
  • second

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'three' when indicating position.
  • Misused in plural forms, like 'thirds' when referring to fractions.