Definition

Noun: - A number that indicates position or order in a sequence, such as first, second, third, etc. It answers the question "which one?" in relation to other items.

Usage

An ordinal number is used to denote the rank or position of an item in an ordered list. It is distinct from a cardinal number (like one, two, three), which denotes quantity.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In dates: Ordinal numbers are commonly used to specify days of the month (e.g., , ).
• In fractions: Ordinal numbers form the denominator of most fractions (e.g., , ), though the word "half" is an exception.
• In names of monarchs and popes: Ordinal numbers follow the name (e.g., , ).

Variants and Related Words

• Ordinal (adjective): Relating to the order or position in a series.
  • Example: "First," "second," and "third" are ordinal numerals.
• Cardinal number: A number denoting quantity (e.g., , , ), as opposed to order.

Synonyms

• Positional number
• Order number

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In the first place: Used to introduce the first point in an argument or list.
  • Example: In the first place, we never agreed to those terms.
• From the first/second/third etc.: Used to indicate the starting point of a perception or condition.
  • Example: I knew he was lying from the first.

Noun

1. the number designating place in an ordered sequence