twelve

UK: twɛlv | US: twɛlv

Definition

  1. n. the cardinal number equivalent to the sum of ten and two; 12

Structure
tw <two>elve <leftover from Old English "endleofan">
Etymology

twelve = tw<two> + elve<leftover from Old English "endleofan">

  • tw<two>: Derived from Proto-Germanic *twa-, meaning "two."
  • elve<leftover>: Traces back to Old English endleofan (literally "one left [after ten]"), from Proto-Germanic ainlif-.

Etymology Origin:
The word "twelve" evolved from Old English twelf, which itself came from Proto-Germanic twalif. The structure reflects a counting system based on "two left (after ten)"—a common Germanic pattern for numbers 11–19. This logic mirrors other Germanic languages (e.g., German zwölf). Over time, the pronunciation simplified, but the morpheme "tw" (two) remains recognizable.

Examples

  1. There are twelve months in a year.

  2. She bought twelve apples at the market.

  3. The clock struck twelve at midnight.

  4. Twelve students volunteered for the project.

  5. He scored twelve points in the game.