forty-seven

UK: ˈfɔːti ˈsɛvn̩ | US: ˈfɔːrti ˈsɛvn̩

Definition

  1. adj. being one more than forty-six in number (47)

  2. n. the number 47

Structure
forty <four tens>seven <the number 7>
Etymology

The word "forty-seven" is a compound of "forty" (derived from Old English "fēowertig," meaning "four tens") and "seven" (from Old English "seofon," meaning the numeral 7). This structure follows the Germanic pattern of combining tens and units to form numbers. The modern spelling reflects Middle English adjustments, where "forty" lost its original "u" (compare "four") for consistency in numeral forms.

Examples

  1. She scored forty-seven points in the game.

  2. The recipe requires forty-seven grams of sugar.

  3. There are forty-seven students in the advanced class.

  4. The document spans forty-seven pages.

  5. He celebrated his forty-seventh birthday last week.