Definition

1. Noun:

   • The cardinal number that is the sum of three and one: The natural number following 3 and preceding 5. It is represented by the symbol "4" or the word "four".

2. Adjective:

   • Being one more than three: A quantity or amount totaling exactly this number.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The number 4 is considered unlucky in some cultures.
  • Divide the total by four to get the average.
  • A square has four sides.

• Adjective:

  • She has four brothers.
  • Please turn to page four.
  • The meeting starts at four o'clock.

Advanced Usage

• "On all fours": On hands and knees.
  • The baby crawled on all fours.
• "Four-letter word": A short word, often considered vulgar or offensive.
  • He shouted a four-letter word in frustration.
• "Four-eyes" (informal, potentially offensive): A nickname for someone who wears glasses.
  • The bully called him four-eyes.

Variants and Related Words

• Fourth (adjective & noun): Constituting number four in a sequence; the item in position four.
  • This is my fourth cup of coffee today.
  • She finished in fourth place.
• Fourfold (adjective & adverb): Four times as great or as numerous; consisting of four parts.
  • There was a fourfold increase in sales.
• Quad- (prefix): A combining form meaning "four".
  • quadrilateral, quadruple

Synonyms

• Quartet: A group of four people or things.
• Quadruple: Consisting of four parts or things; to multiply by four.
• Tetrad (technical): A group or set of four.

Related Phrases

• The four corners of the earth/world: Every part of the world.
  • People came from the four corners of the earth to see it.
• Four-square (adjective/adverb): Firm and resolute; squarely.
  • He stood four-square against the proposal.
• Four-poster (bed): A bed with a tall post at each corner supporting a canopy.

Related Idioms

• Between you, me, and the four walls: In strict confidence.
  • Between you, me, and the four walls, I think the plan will fail.
• Four sheets to the wind (informal): Very drunk.
  • After the party, he was four sheets to the wind.

Adjective

1. being one more than three

Noun

1. the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one