three-fourths
UK: ˌθriː ˈfɔːθs | US: ˌθriː ˈfɔːrθs
n. a fraction representing three parts out of four equal parts; 75% of a whole.
The word "three-fourths" is a compound fraction formed by combining the cardinal number "three" (from Old English "þrīe") and the ordinal suffix "-ths" attached to "four" (from Old English "fēower"). The "-ths" suffix transforms the cardinal number into an ordinal fraction, indicating division into equal parts. This structure follows the Germanic pattern of forming fractions by combining numbers with ordinal suffixes (e.g., "half," "third"). The logic is straightforward: "three" specifies the quantity, while "fourths" defines the unit of division.
She ate three-fourths of the pizza by herself.
The project is three-fourths complete and should finish on time.
Three-fourths of the students voted for the new school policy.
The recipe calls for three-fourths cup of sugar.
Only three-fourths of the attendees submitted their feedback forms.