nine-tenths
|nine-tenths|
B1
/naɪn tɛnθs/
90%
Etymology
Etymology Information
The term 'nine-tenths' originates from the Old English word 'nigon' for 'nine' and the Proto-Germanic 'tehun' for 'ten', combined to form a fraction.
Historical Evolution
'Nine-tenths' evolved from the Old English 'nigon' and 'teogotha', eventually becoming the modern English term 'nine-tenths'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'nine parts out of ten', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45