ordinal number crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for answers to the clue "ordinal number", you've come to the right place. We've compiled all possible solutions, organized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "ordinal number crossword" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FIFTH: This answer refers to the position after fourth in a sequence, represented as the ordinal form of the number five.
FIRST: Denoting the primary or initial position in a series, this is the ordinal form of one.
TENTH: The position following ninth, representing the ordinal form of the number ten.
6 Letters
SECOND: Indicating the position directly after the first, it's the ordinal form of two.
EIGHTH: The position after seventh, representing the ordinal form of the number eight.
7 Letters
TWELFTH: Denoting the position after eleventh, it's the ordinal form of twelve.
9 Letters
HUNDREDTH: The position for the number one hundred in a sequence, a longer ordinal term.
More About "ordinal number crossword"
Ordinal numbers are a fundamental concept in language and mathematics, indicating rank or position in an ordered sequence. In crosswords, they frequently appear as clues because of their direct yet versatile nature. Clues might be straightforward, asking for "The ordinal after third," or more cryptic, referencing a position within a series like "Start of a new decade?" for TENTH. Their common usage makes them perfect candidates for setters looking for common, everyday words with precise meanings.
Mastering ordinal number clues requires an understanding of basic numerical order and the common spellings of these positional words. Unlike cardinal numbers (one, two, three), ordinals change form, often ending in "-th", "-st", "-nd", or "-rd". Recognising these patterns can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process. They are also excellent examples of clues that test your vocabulary's breadth beyond just nouns and verbs.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: For ordinal number clues, knowing the exact letter count is crucial. "FIRST" and "FIFTH" are both 5 letters, but "SECOND" is 6. This is your primary filter.
- Consider Context: While "ordinal number" is a direct clue, many puzzles use indirect phrasing. If a clue implies position or rank ("Finisher's place," "Rank in a race"), an ordinal number is a strong possibility.
- Think of Common Ordinals: Start with the most common ones like FIRST, SECOND, THIRD, and so on. Also, consider larger, less common ones like TWELFTH or HUNDREDTH if the letter count is higher.
- Check for Suffixes: Many ordinal numbers end in -ST (first), -ND (second), -RD (third), or -TH (fourth, fifth, etc.). This can sometimes help confirm a word if you have a few letters filled in.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is an ordinal number?
An ordinal number is a number that indicates position or order in a sequence, such as 'first', 'second', 'third', 'fourth', and so on. They are distinct from cardinal numbers (like one, two, three) which denote quantity.
How do ordinal numbers commonly appear in crossword clues?
Ordinal numbers often appear directly as clues ('Ordinal after fifth'), or indirectly through context ('Winner's place'). Clues might also specify a number ('Number nine's place') or relate to a month ('January's day in the year').
Are there any common tricks or variations for ordinal number clues?
Yes, common tricks include using Roman numerals (e.g., 'IV' for 'FOURTH'), or abstract references to positions in lists, races, or historical sequences. Pay attention to the length of the required answer, as this can narrow down possibilities from 'FIRST' to 'TWENTYTHIRD'.