three-quarter

A photographer takes a three-quarter portrait of a smiling woman.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Of a size or extent equal to three-quarters of the standard: "three-quarter" describes something that is three-quarters of the full or typical amount, length, or proportion. It is often used in clothing, photography, or measurements.
   • In sports (rugby): "three-quarter" refers to a position or player in the back line, specifically the three-quarter backs, who are positioned between the half-backs and the fullback.

2. Noun:

   • A rugby player: "three-quarter" is a noun meaning a player in the back line of rugby, typically one of four positions (left wing, right wing, inside centre, outside centre) who are responsible for attacking and defending in open play.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • She wore a three-quarter sleeve blouse. (A blouse with sleeves that end at the forearm, about three-quarters of the full length.)
  • The artist painted a three-quarter portrait of the subject. (A portrait that shows the subject from the chest up, not full-length.)

• Noun:

  • He plays as a three-quarter for the national rugby team. (He is a back-line player in rugby.)
  • The three-quarter made a brilliant pass to score a try. (The rugby back executed a skillful pass.)

Advanced Usage

• "Three-quarter length": used to describe clothing or items that are shorter than full length but longer than half length.

  • The coat is three-quarter length, reaching just above the knee. (The coat is not full-length but covers most of the upper body.)

• "Three-quarter time": in music, a time signature with three beats per measure (e.g., waltz time).

  • The piece is written in three-quarter time, giving it a graceful waltz rhythm. (The musical composition has three beats per bar.)

Variants and Related Words

• Three-quarters (noun, plural): the fraction 3/4 or a set of three parts out of four.

  • Three-quarters of the students passed the exam. (75% of the students succeeded.)

• Three-quarter back (noun): a specific rugby position.

  • The three-quarter back is known for speed and agility. (The rugby back position requires quick movement.)

Synonyms

• Three-fourths: a synonym for the fraction 3/4 (used in mathematics or general measurement).

  • He drank three-fourths of the bottle. (He consumed 75% of the liquid.)

• Partial: incomplete or less than full (when referring to length or size).

  • The sleeve is partial, ending at the elbow. (The sleeve is not full-length.)

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "Three-quarter view": a perspective in art or photography where the subject is turned slightly away from the viewer, showing three-quarters of the face or body.

  • The portrait was painted in three-quarter view, highlighting the subject's profile. (The angle shows most of the face, not a full front or side view.)

• "Three-quarter time": (see Advanced Usage) used idiomatically to describe a waltz rhythm.

  • The song has a three-quarter time feel, perfect for dancing. (The music has a waltz-like beat.)