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third

num. · n. · v.
US //ˈθɝd// UK //θˈɜːd// third
  1. 1 position in a sequence (num.)
    A1 Beginner

    coming after the second person or thing.

    the ordinal number matching the cardinal number three in a sequence.

    Example

    This is the third time I have asked you to clean your room.

    Example

    The third candidate presented a significantly more robust strategy for market expansion than the previous two applicants.

  2. 2 a fraction (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    one of three equal parts of something.

    one of three equal parts into which a whole is or may be divided.

    Example

    He ate a third of the pizza and left the rest for his brother.

    Example

    The survey indicates that nearly a third of the population remains undecided about the proposed constitutional changes.
    • one third
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  1. 3 vehicle gear (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the third gear in a car or bicycle.

    the third gear in a transmission system, providing a balance of torque and speed.

    Example

    You should shift into third gear once you reach thirty miles per hour.

    Example

    The driver struggled to engage third as the car laboured up the steep incline, eventually forcing a downshift back to second.

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

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

    an interval spanning three scale degrees, which determines the major or minor quality of a chord.

    Example

    The singer struggled to hit the major third in the opening chorus.

    Example

    The composer utilised a series of parallel thirds to create a folk-like texture in the woodwind section.

  3. 5 university grade (n.)
    C1 Advanced British English

    the lowest passing grade for a university degree in the UK.

    a third-class honours degree, representing the lowest level of passing honours in the British university system.

    Example

    He was disappointed to graduate with a third after three years of study.

    Example

    While a third may limit immediate entry into prestigious graduate schemes, many professionals find that experience eventually outweighs their initial degree classification.

  4. 6 to support a motion (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Humorous

    to be the third person to agree with a formal idea in a meeting.

    to support a motion or proposal after it has already been moved and seconded.

    Example

    I'll third that suggestion; let's go get some lunch.

    Example

    After the motion was seconded by the treasurer, the chairman asked if anyone wished to third the proposal before moving to a vote.

    Usage

    Usually used in formal committee settings or as a lighthearted way to show strong agreement.
Origin

PIE word *tréyes From Middle English thirde, thridde, from Old English þridda, from Proto-Germanic þridjô, from Pre-Germanic tretyós, a remodeling of Proto-Indo-European *tr̥tyós.

Idioms3 entries

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