nth

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nouninformalhumorous

   Used before a noun to say that something has happened again after many earlier times, often with impatience or exaggeration.

   Grammar: Used only before a noun, usually after the: the nth time.

   Patterns

   • the nth time
   • for the nth time
   • the nth + noun

   I’ve asked you for the nth time to label the leftovers.

   For the nth time this month, the train was late.

   This is the nth reminder, so please reply today.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounmathematicsspecialist

   In mathematics, shows an unspecified position in an ordered sequence, often represented by the variable n.

   Grammar: Appears in formulas and explanations before words like term, row, or power.

   Patterns

   • the nth term
   • to the nth power
   • the nth row

   To find the nth term, add three each time.

   Raise the base to the nth power only when n is a whole number.

   Color the nth row and compare the pattern.

Common combinations

for the nth time

For the nth time, the dog buried my socks.

the nth term

The nth term doubles as the sequence grows.

to the nth power

A small error grows fast when values rise to the nth power.

to the nth degree

She checked the details to the nth degree before submitting.

Synonyms and how they differ

umpteenth

Very close informal match for an unknown large number, especially in “for the umpteenth time.”

countless

Means too many to count, but nth keeps the idea of one more item in a repeated series.

Commonly confused: nth or ninth?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “nth”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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