A11K

Fourth

UK /["/fɔːθ/"]/US /["/fɔːrθ/"]/

Definition

4th

In simple words: The number 4 in a sequence, or the position after third.

Examples

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

Usage notes

Used to describe the position in a sequence. Commonly used in both written and spoken language. Not typically used in very formal contexts as a noun (e.g., 'fourth place').

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'four' plus 'th' at the end — 4th is the fourth.

Collocations

  • fourth of July
  • fourth grade
  • fourth place
  • fourth chapter
  • fourth dimension

Synonyms

  • fourthly
  • fourth part
  • one-fourth

Antonyms

  • first
  • second
  • third

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'fourth' with 'forty' in pronunciation.
  • Using 'fourth' to refer to quantity rather than position.
  • Misspelling as 'forth'.