seventh

UK: ˈsev.ənθ | US: ˈsev.ənθ

Definition

  1. adj. constituting number seven in a sequence; 7th

  2. n. the ordinal number matching the number seven in a sequence

  3. n. (music) the interval spanning seven diatonic degrees

Structure
seven <cardinal number 7>th <ordinal suffix>
Etymology

The word "seventh" combines the Old English root "seofon" (seven) with the ordinal suffix "-th," which derives from Proto-Germanic *-dô. This suffix was used to form ordinal numbers (e.g., fourth, fifth). The spelling evolved from Old English "seofoþa" to Middle English "seventhe," reflecting phonetic shifts. The core logic is simple: the cardinal number + "-th" creates its ordinal counterpart, a pattern consistent across English (e.g., ten → tenth).

Examples

  1. She finished in seventh place in the race.

  2. The seventh chapter of the book reveals the mystery.

  3. A seventh of the population voted in the election.

  4. The melody resolves with a minor seventh interval.

  5. July is the seventh month of the year.