ENGLISH
REFERENCE

thirteenth

num.
A2 Elementary US //ˈθɝˈtinθ// UK //θˈɜːtiːnθ// thir·teenth

num. the number that comes after twelve. You use it to talk about a position in a list or a specific day of the month.

num. the ordinal number corresponding to the cardinal number thirteen. Often functions as an ordinal determiner or a noun referring to one of thirteen equal parts.


SIMPLE

Today is the thirteenth of May.

CONTEXTUAL

She finished in thirteenth place out of fifty runners in the local marathon.

COMPLEX

The thirteenth floor is often omitted from elevator panels in certain cultures due to long-standing superstitions regarding the number's supposed association with misfortune.

Origin

Inherited from Middle English thrittenthe, thrittethe, from Old English þrēottēoþa; equivalent to thirteen + -th (ordinal suffix).

Usage

Typically precedes the noun it modifies as an ordinal determiner; can also function as a noun when referring to a fraction.

Pitfall

the thirteen day of the monththe thirteenth day of the monthLearners often use the cardinal number 'thirteen' when the ordinal form 'thirteenth' is required for dates or positions.

Idioms1 entry

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