Fifth vs. Fifthly — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Fifth" is a numeral indicating rank or sequence, used to denote position, while "fifthly" is an adverb specifically used to introduce the fifth point in a list or argument.
Difference Between Fifth and Fifthly
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Fifth" refers to the ordinal form of the number five, used to describe the position in a sequence or series, such as "She finished fifth in the race." Whereas, "fifthly" is used as an adverb in written or spoken discourse, specifically to introduce the fifth point in a series, such as in presentations or formal arguments.
"Fifth" can be used in various contexts including sports, ranking, and music, indicating not only position but also frequency, like in "He plays the fifth note." On the other hand, "fifthly" is mostly restricted to the structure of formal or logical arguments, enhancing clarity in the sequence of points.
"Fifth" is applicable in describing set positions within established sequences, like "fifth avenue," emphasizing its broad usability. In contrast, "fifthly" almost exclusively functions in academic or rhetorical settings where a clear enumeration is crucial.
"Fifth" carries mathematical and ordinal significance, applicable in sciences and statistics, while "fifthly" does not extend beyond its role in enumeration within discourse.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective (ordinal number)
Adverb
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Usage
Describes position or sequence
Introduces the fifth point in a list
Context
Broad (sports, music, rankings, etc.)
Mostly formal writing or speeches
Example Usage
"She finished fifth in the race."
"Fifthly, we must consider the budget."
Flexibility
Can modify nouns directly
Used to organize points in discourse
Compare with Definitions
Fifth
Ordinal form of five, indicating position.
He was the fifth to arrive.
Fifthly
Signals the fifth item in a list.
Fifthly, we will review the budget allocations.
Fifth
Denotes rank in competitions.
She ranked fifth in the annual sales.
Fifthly
Used in enumerations in discourse.
Fifthly, consider the historical context.
Fifth
Specifies an order in a sequence.
The fifth chapter of the book is the longest.
Fifthly
Marks progression in formal arguments.
Fifthly, the data confirms our hypothesis.
Fifth
Indicates a position in physical locations.
His office is on the fifth floor.
Fifthly
Facilitates organized presentation of ideas.
Fifthly, let's discuss the marketing plan.
Fifth
Used to describe sequence in a set.
She plays the fifth note perfectly.
Fifthly
Adverb introducing the fifth point.
Fifthly, our strategy must address sustainability.
Fifth
The ordinal number matching the number five in a series.
Fifthly
The ordinal number matching the number five in a series.
Fifth
One of five equal parts.
Fifthly
One of five equal parts.
Fifth
One fifth of a gallon or four fifths of a quart of liquor.
Fifthly
One fifth of a gallon or four fifths of a quart of liquor.
Fifth
A tone five degrees above or below a given tone in a diatonic scale.
Fifthly
A tone five degrees above or below a given tone in a diatonic scale.
Fifth
The interval between two such tones.
Fifthly
The interval between two such tones.
Fifth
The harmonic combination of two such tones.
Fifthly
The harmonic combination of two such tones.
Fifth
The dominant of a scale or key.
Fifthly
The dominant of a scale or key.
Fifth
Fifth The Fifth Amendment. Used with the.
Fifthly
Fifth The Fifth Amendment. Used with the.
Fifth
The ordinal form of the number five.
Fifthly
In the fifth place; fifth in a row.
Fifth
The person or thing in the fifth position.
Fifthly
In the fifth place; as the fifth in order.
Fifth
One of five equal parts of a whole.
Fifthly
In the fifth place;
Fifthly, we must adhere to the rules set by the local government
Fifth
The fifth gear of an engine.
Fifth
A quantity of liquor equal to one-fifth of a gallon, or, more commonly, 750 milliliters (that is, three quarters of a liter).
Fifth
(music) The musical interval between one note and another seven semitones higher (the fifth note in the major/minor scale)
Fifth
The fifth voice in a polyphonic melody.
Fifth
(music) To sing in the fifth voice in a polyphonic melody.
Fifth
(transitive) To support something fifth, after four others have already done so.
Fifth
To divide by five.
Fifth
Next in order after the fourth; - the ordinal of five.
Fifth
Consisting of one of five equal divisions of a thing.
Fifth
The quotient of a unit divided by five; one of five equal parts; a fifth part.
Fifth
The interval of three tones and a semitone, embracing five diatonic degrees of the scale; the dominant of any key.
Fifth
A quantity of liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon
Fifth
Position five in a countable series of things;
He was fifth out of several hundred runners
Fifth
A fifth part
Fifth
The musical interval between one note and another five notes away from it
Fifth
Coming next after the fourth and just before the sixth in position
Common Curiosities
Can fifth be used in everyday conversation?
Yes, fifth is commonly used in everyday language to describe order or rank.
How is fifthly used in writing?
Fifthly is used as an adverb to introduce the fifth point in a list or sequence of arguments.
Does fifthly have any usage outside of enumerating points?
Fifthly is almost exclusively used to enumerate points in formal or written presentations.
What is the difference between fifth and other ordinal numbers?
Fifth specifically refers to the number five in a sequence, differing only by its position in the order.
What are some common contexts for using fifth?
Fifth is used in contexts such as racing positions, musical notes, floor levels, and more.
Can fifth and fifthly be used interchangeably?
No, fifth and fifthly serve different grammatical purposes and are not interchangeable.
Is fifthly considered formal or informal?
Fifthly is considered formal and is typically used in academic or professional settings.
Is fifthly commonly used in casual dialogue?
No, fifthly is typically reserved for more structured, formal discourse.
How does the use of fifth enhance communication?
Fifth provides clear and precise information about position, improving clarity in description.
What does fifth mean?
Fifth is the ordinal number following fourth, used to denote position in a sequence.
Can fifth be used mathematically?
Yes, fifth can be used in mathematical expressions and statistics.
Why might one use fifthly in a speech?
Using fifthly helps clearly signal the continuation of listed or numbered points, aiding in audience comprehension.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
