number
n. · v.-
1 quantity or numeral (n.) A1 Beginner Matha word or symbol used to count or measure how many of something there are.
an abstract mathematical entity or numeral used to describe quantity or position in a sequence.
ExampleThe teacher asked the children to write the number five on their papers.
ExampleThe researcher noted that the number of participants had doubled since the initial phase of the study.
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2 identification (n.) A1 Beginnera series of digits used to identify a specific person, place, or thing.
a sequence of digits assigned to an individual or object for the purpose of registration or identification.
ExampleCan I have your phone number so I can call you later?
ExampleThe clerk requested my passport number and a secondary form of identification to process the application.
- code
- ID
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3 performance (n.) B1 Intermediate Theatrea single song or dance in a larger show.
a distinct musical or theatrical routine performed as part of a larger production or concert.
ExampleThe final dance number was the most exciting part of the musical.
ExampleThe soprano performed a challenging solo number that showcased her impressive vocal range and technical control.
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4 grammar (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Grammarthe form of a word that shows if it is singular or plural.
a grammatical category that distinguishes between singular, plural, and sometimes dual forms of nouns or verbs.
ExampleIn English, we change the number of a noun by adding an 's' for plural.
ExampleThe student struggled with subject-verb agreement, particularly when the grammatical number of the collective noun was ambiguous.
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5 stylish item (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Informala piece of clothing that looks very good on someone.
an item of clothing, typically a dress or outfit, regarded as stylish or attractive.
ExampleShe wore a little black number to the party and looked fantastic.
ExampleShe arrived at the gala wearing a vintage silk number that immediately became the talk of the evening.
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6 to total (v.) B1 Intermediateto reach a certain total or amount.
to amount to a specified quantity or total. Often used as a linking verb.
ExampleThe protesters numbered in the thousands by the end of the day.
ExampleThe rare birds now number fewer than fifty in the wild, prompting urgent conservation efforts.
- total
- amount to
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7 to assign numbers (v.) B1 Intermediateto give a number to each item in a group.
to mark or label items with a sequence of numbers for identification or organization.
ExamplePlease number the pages of your essay before you hand it in.
ExampleThe archivist carefully numbered each photograph in the collection to ensure they could be easily referenced later.
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8 to include in a group (v.) B2 Upper Intermediate Formalto consider someone or something as part of a specific group.
to include or classify someone or something within a particular category or group.
ExampleI am proud to number him among my closest friends.
ExampleThe historian is numbered among the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century due to her groundbreaking research.
From Middle English number, nombre, numbre, noumbre, from Anglo-Norman noumbre, Old French nombre, from Latin numerus (“number”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *nem- (“to divide”). Compare Saterland Frisian Nummer, Nuumer, West Frisian nûmer, Dutch nummer (“number”), German Nummer (“number”), Danish nummer (“number”), Swedish nummer (“number”), Icelandic númer (“number”). Replaced Middle English ȝetæl and rime, more at tell, tale and rhyme.
From numb (adjective) + -er.
Equivalent to numb (verb) + -er