sixty

UK: ˈsɪksti | US: ˈsɪksti

Definition

  1. n. the number equivalent to six times ten; 60

  2. adj. amounting to sixty in number

Structure
six <number 6>ty <decade suffix (from Old English -tig)>
Etymology

The word "sixty" originates from Old English sixtig, a combination of six (the numeral 6) and -tig (a suffix denoting multiples of ten, akin to modern "-ty"). This structure is shared with other Germanic languages (e.g., German sechzig). The "-ty" suffix evolved from Proto-Germanic -tigaz, reflecting a decimal counting system. The word’s logic is straightforward: "six" + "ten-times" = 60.

Examples

  1. She turned sixty last year and celebrated with a grand party.

  2. The recipe requires sixty grams of sugar.

  3. Sixty students attended the lecture.

  4. The temperature dropped to sixty degrees Fahrenheit overnight.

  5. He scored sixty points in the game, a personal best.