ordinal number crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions for the crossword clue "ordinal number crossword clue", helping you complete your puzzle with ease. We provide answers of various lengths, along with helpful explanations.
Solutions for "ordinal number crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
FIRST: The primary ordinal number, indicating the initial position in a sequence.
THIRD: The ordinal number representing the position after second.
TENTH: The ordinal number signifying the position following ninth.
6 Letters
SECOND: The ordinal number indicating the position after first.
FOURTH: The ordinal number for the position after third.
7 Letters
SEVENTH: The ordinal number representing the position after sixth.
More About "ordinal number crossword clue"
Ordinal numbers are a fundamental concept in mathematics and language, describing position or rank in an ordered sequence. In crosswords, they frequently appear as clues when a specific position needs to be identified. Clues might refer to the first day of the week, the second letter of the alphabet, or the third planet from the sun, all pointing towards an ordinal number as the answer.
Understanding the distinction between cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) numbers is key to solving these types of clues. Crossword constructors often play on this difference, or use indirect references to things that are inherently ordered, such as historical events (e.g., "The First World War") or musical terms (e.g., "A Second Symphony").
Being familiar with the spelling of common ordinal numbers up to at least twentieth, and recognizing their various applications, will significantly improve your chances of solving clues like "ordinal number crossword clue" quickly and accurately. Pay attention to the length of the required answer, as this will narrow down your options considerably.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Context: For ordinal numbers, consider what sequence the clue might be referring to. Is it time, position, a series of events, or a list?
- Check Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer's length to the provided crossword grid's boxes. This is the most crucial filter for solutions.
- Think of Synonyms for "Position": Sometimes, the clue won't explicitly say "ordinal number" but might use words like "rank," "place," "sequence," or "order."
- Cross-Reference with Solved Letters: Use letters from intersecting words to confirm or eliminate potential ordinal number answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ordinal number?
An ordinal number indicates the position or order of something in a list, such as first, second, third, etc. They are often contrasted with cardinal numbers, which indicate quantity (one, two, three).
How do I identify ordinal numbers in crosswords?
Look for clues related to sequence, rank, position, or specific ends of a series. Phrases like 'in order,' 'place in line,' or 'sequential item' often point to ordinal number answers.
Can ordinal numbers be abbreviated in crosswords?
While common abbreviations like '1st' or '2nd' exist, crossword answers typically require the full word form (e.g., FIRST, SECOND), unless the clue explicitly suggests an abbreviation.