Basic Details
Word: Ordinal
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Relating to the order of things in a series, such as first, second, third, etc.
Synonyms: Sequential, successive
Antonyms: Cardinal
Idioms and Phrases
- First among equals: A person regarded as the most important in a group but still equal in status to others. Example: "Though he was the most experienced, he acted as first among equals in the team."
- Second to none: The best; incomparable. Example: "Her talent in art is second to none, making her work truly special."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The ordinal numbers are used to indicate positions in a race, like first, second, and third.
Example 2: In a class of twenty students, Emma came in fifth, which is an impressive ordinal position!
Example 3: For many people, their birthday is on the ordinal number of their day of birth, like the 1st or 4th of July.
Fun Fact
Did you know that ordinal numbers have been used since ancient times? The Romans used them in their numbering system, which is still evident today in phrases like "the first century" and "the third century!"
Famous Quote
"Success is not the position where you stand, but the direction in which you look." Oliver Wendel Holmes Jr.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "ordinal" mean?
a) A type of fruit
b) Relating to order in a series
c) A kind of animal
d) A musical note
Answer: b) Relating to order in a series
2. Which of these is a synonym of "ordinal"?
a) Linear
b) Sequential
c) Random
d) Significant
Answer: b) Sequential
3. What is the antonym of "ordinal"?
a) Cardinal
b) Unique
c) Standard
d) Ancient
Answer: a) Cardinal
4. Which sentence uses "ordinal" correctly?
a) The ordinal numbers are used to count apples.
b) I finished third in the race, which is my ordinal rank.
c) We heard a beautiful ordinal yesterday.
d) The ordinal bird is singing.
Answer: b) I finished third in the race, which is my ordinal rank.
5. Which idiom means the same as "ordinal"?
a) Second to none
b) First among equals
c) As clear as day
d) Lost in translation
Answer: b) First among equals
