WordGarden.iofifty
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /fˈɪfti/
US
- /ˈfɪfti/
Meanings
Determiner
the cardinal number 50
Noun
a banknote or bill worth fifty units of currency
Beyond the definition
Fifty is the number 50. People use it for counting, age, money, distance, speed, and percentages. Turning fifty is often seen as an important point in life, and "fifty-fifty" means something is shared equally. You might talk about fifty dollars, fifty miles, or a fifty percent chance.
The word also appears in common cultural ideas, such as the fifty states of the United States or a fiftieth anniversary. Whether it is about quantity, time, or an even split, fifty is a common and useful word in everyday English.
"Fifty" represents the number 50, the midpoint between zero and one hundred. While it is a cardinal number used for counting and labeling, its significance extends far beyond simple mathematics. Throughout history and across cultures, fifty has held symbolic weight. In various traditions, the fiftieth year is associated with a "Jubilee," a special anniversary marking a time of celebration, liberation, or completion.
Beyond its numerical value, "fifty" frequently appears in everyday language to signify a balanced portion or a considerable amount. We use "fifty percent" to indicate exactly half of a whole, and a "fifty-dollar bill" represents a substantial sum in many economies. The phrase "fifty-fifty" denotes an equal division or partnership—a deal where both parties share the risk and reward perfectly. You might say, "Let's go fifty-fifty on this pizza!" to suggest an even split.
"Fifty" also appears in specific practical contexts, such as speed limits ("driving at 50 miles per hour") and age milestones ("the big five-oh"). It is also used to describe probability; having a "fifty-fifty chance" means an event is just as likely to happen as it is to fail. While "half a hundred" is an older, more poetic way of describing the number, "fifty" remains the standard, versatile term used to measure distance, celebrate anniversaries, and negotiate deals. It is a number that represents both solid quantity and symbolic significance in our world.
Examples
- 1
Price
The shirt was on sale for fifty dollars.
- 2
Approximate number
About fifty people came to the school concert.
- 3
Birthday age
She turned fifty this year and decided to travel more.
- 4
Travel time
It takes me about fifty minutes to get to work by train.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Age range
My dad is in his fifties, but he still plays tennis every weekend.
- Phrasein his fifties
aged 50 to 59
- 6
Even chance
At this point, it's fifty-fifty whether we'll finish on time.
- Phrasefifty-fifty
equally likely either way
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- fiftynounadjective