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fourth

num. · n. · v.
US //ˈfɔɹθ// UK //fˈɔːθ// fourth
  1. 1 position number four (num.)
    A1 Beginner

    coming after the third thing in a list or sequence.

    the ordinal number matching the cardinal number four.

    Example

    This is the fourth time I have called the office today.

    Example

    The fourth runner in the relay race managed to close the gap, securing a podium finish for the team.
    • 4th
  2. 2 a quarter (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English

    one of four equal parts of something.

    one of four equal parts into which something is or may be divided. Often used in American English where British English prefers 'quarter'.

    Example

    He ate a fourth of the pizza before the others arrived.

    Example

    The budget allocation for research represents roughly a fourth of the total annual expenditure for the department.
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  1. 3 car gear (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the fourth speed or gear in a vehicle.

    the fourth transmission gear in a motor vehicle, typically used for moderate cruising speeds.

    Example

    You should shift into fourth once you reach the main road.

    Example

    The driver shifted smoothly from third into fourth as the car accelerated onto the motorway.

  2. 4 musical interval (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Music

    the distance between the first and fourth notes in a scale.

    a musical interval spanning four degrees of the diatonic scale.

    Example

    The melody begins with a perfect fourth.

    Example

    The composer utilised a series of perfect fourths to create a sense of modern, open harmony in the opening movement.

  3. 5 Independence Day (n.)
    B1 Intermediate American English

    a short way to say the Fourth of July holiday in the US.

    a reference to the United States Independence Day holiday. Usually capitalised.

    Example

    We are planning a big barbecue for the Fourth.

    Example

    The city hosts a spectacular fireworks display every Fourth, attracting thousands of visitors to the waterfront.
    • independence day
  4. 6 to agree with a point (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous

    to say you agree with an idea after three other people have already agreed.

    to express agreement with a proposal that has already been supported by three others. Follows the sequence of 'seconding' and 'thirding' a motion.

    Example

    I'll fourth that suggestion; let's go get some coffee.

    Example

    After several colleagues voiced their approval, Sarah joked that she would fourth the motion to end the meeting early.
Origin

Inherited from Middle English fourthe, an alteration (due to four) of ferthe, from Old English fēorþa, fēowerþa, from Proto-West Germanic feurþō, from Proto-Germanic fedurþô, equivalent to four + -th (ordinal suffix). Cognates Compare West Frisian fjirde, Saterland Frisian fjädde, fjoode, Dutch vierde, German Low German feerde, feerd, German vierte, Danish fjerde, Icelandic fjórði.

Idioms4 entries

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