fifteen - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
fifteen Word Meanings
- the number after fourteen
- a quantity of 15
- a numeral denoting 15
fifteen Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
fifteen Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/fɪfˈtiːn/
US
/fɪfˈtin/
fifteen Word Etymology
fifteen = five + ten; Historical origin: Old English 'fīftēne' derived from 'five' + 'tīene' (ten). Memory image: Imagine five fingers on one hand (5) and two hands together representing ten (10), totaling fifteen.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
Hands on the timer, I push the dial and watch the numbers move until the marker settles on fifteen. I hold my breath, then adjust the grip and nudge again when the digits drift toward a different place. The moment the display locks, a small shift in focus settles in and I feel in control of what comes next. Fifteen becomes a loose cue rather than a hard rule, guiding my pace and the next move I plan to make.
Real Context
Fifteen is the number that comes after fourteen and before sixteen. It refers to a quantity of 15, an age of fifteen, or a date such as the fifteenth of July. As a numeral, it is written as one word: fifteen. The word's history goes back to Old English fīftēne, formed from five and ten. A common memory cue is imagining five fingers on one hand and ten fingers on both hands, adding up to fifteen. When learning, distinguish fifteen (the cardinal) from fifteenth (the ordinal). Note how numbers function as adjectives, nouns, or dates in English and how you form phrases like fifteen dollars or the fifteenth birthday.
Usage Reminders
- Use fifteen for exact quantity or age
- Use the phrase 'fifteen dollars' or 'fifteen people'
- Use 'the fifteenth' for dates or ordinal positions
- Remember 'fifteen' is one word, not 'fiveteen'
- Avoid confusing 'fifteen' with 'fifth' or 'fifteenth' in pronunciation
- Check pronunciation: /ˈfɪfˌtiːn/
Common Misconceptions
- Often confused with 'fifth' or 'fifteenth' when counting steps
- Misspelled as 'fiveteen' or 'fifteene'
- Assuming 'fifteen' forms into 'fiften' in compounds
- Treating 'fifteen' as a pluralizable noun (e. g., 'the fifteens')
- Using 'fifteen' incorrectly in dates without ordinals (e. g., 'the fifteen of May' vs 'the fifteenth of May')
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, numbers are often taught with base-10 rules and the distinction between cardinal and ordinal forms is important; mistakes usually involve ordinals and pronunciation stress.
Learning Tips
- Make a quick flashcard for fifteen and fifteenth with examples
- Practice saying prices, ages, and dates using fifteen
- Listen for the stress on the second syllable in 'fifteen'
- Write sample sentences to reinforce the unit vs ordinal form
- Compare with ten and twenty to anchor position in the decade
- Use memory cues like the five fingers on one hand plus ten from both hands
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'fifteen' mean?
A.The color of the sky
B.A number between ten and twenty
C.To eat breakfast
D.To walk slowly
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'fifteen' correctly?
A.She bought fifteen oranges from the store.
B.Let's go for a fifteen-minute walk.
C.I have fifteen cats as pets.
D.He drove his car at fifteen kilometers per hour.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'fifteen'?
A.Twelve
B.Twenty
C.Fourteen
D.Thirteen
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'fifteen'?
A.Twenty
B.Seventeen
C.Eighteen
D.Sixteen
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for 'fifteen'?
A.She read a book for an hour.
B.The students took fifteen minutes to complete the quiz.
C.He baked a cake for his friend's birthday party.
D.They watched a movie in the evening.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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