Twelth vs. Twelfth: The Correct Spellings

Historically, "twelfth" is rooted in Old English twelfta, which itself evolved from the numeral "twelve" combined with the ordinal suffix. It has maintained this structure across time.

The word "twelfth" has derivatives like "twelfthly" (in a twelfth manner or position).

The choice between twelth and twelfth might seem subtle, but only the latter is the correct spelling. The distinction lies in the presence of the "f" in "twelfth." The word "twelfth" is constructed from the number "twelve," followed by the suffix "-th" to indicate its ordinal nature.

To remember "twelfth," think of the base number "twelve." It's essentially "twelve" with the "-th" suffix, retaining the "f" sound in its spelling.

Incorrect: It's my twelth birthday today.

Correct: It's my twelfth birthday today.

Incorrect: The twelth chapter of the book is the most interesting.

Correct: The twelfth chapter of the book is the most interesting.

Incorrect: He finished in twelth place in the race.

Correct: He finished in twelfth place in the race.

Incorrect: This is the twelth time I've told you.

Correct: This is the twelfth time I've told you.

Incorrect: On the twelth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.

Correct: On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me.

The ordinal form of the number twelve, indicating its position in a sequence.

The note or chord occupying the twelfth position in a series.

A play in cricket where the position is filled temporarily by a substitute fielder.

The day corresponding to this position in a month.

The ordinal number matching the number 12 in a series.

One of 12 equal parts.

The ordinal form of the number twelve, describing a person or thing in position number 12 of a sequence.

One of twelve equal parts of a whole.

(music) An interval equal to an octave plus a fifth.

Next in order after the eleventh; coming after eleven others; - the ordinal of twelve.

Constituting, or being one of, twelve equal parts into which anything is divided.

The quotient of a unit divided by twelve; one of twelve equal parts of one whole.

The next in order after the eleventh.

An interval comprising an octave and a fifth.

position 12 in a countable series of things

coming next after the eleventh and just before the thirteenth in position

He was the twelfth person to cross the finish line.

On my twelfth attempt, I finally succeeded.

She's celebrating her twelfth birthday with a party.

The twelfth month of the year is December.

I live on the twelfth floor of the apartment building.

The twelfth of the month is always a busy day for us.

This is the twelfth version of the software.

The twelfth chapter is the turning point of the story.

The clock struck twelve on my twelfth birthday.

She's in the twelfth grade, which is the last year of high school.

This is the twelfth book I've read this year.

The twelfth amendment to the constitution was significant.

The twelfth scene of the play is the most dramatic.

He's the twelfth member of the council.

He's taking his twelfth driving test tomorrow.

The twelfth guest arrived late to the dinner.

The twelfth day of our vacation was the best.

The twelfth shot was the charm; he finally scored.

The twelfth caller will win the prize.

On the twelfth hour, everything changed.

She's the twelfth richest person in the city.

The twelfth treaty marked the end of the conflict.

The twelfth piece of the puzzle was missing.

The twelfth night after the full moon is very special.

This is the twelfth draft of my novel.

The evening of January 5th, traditionally the end of Christmas celebrations.

In sports, especially football, refers to the fans and their role in supporting the team, as if they were an additional player.

The last moment when action can be taken.

Referring to the level of maturity or knowledge expected of someone in the twelfth grade.

Referring to something happening on the twelfth day of a period or series.

Yes, aside from twelth, "twelvth" is another common misspelling.

No, the correct spelling is "twelfth." The spelling twelth omits the "f."

Yes, "twelfth" is the ordinal form of the cardinal number "twelve."

Yes, the "twelfth" day of Christmas is called "Twelfth Night," traditionally marking the end of the Christmas festivities.

In cricket, the "twelfth man" is a substitute fielder who can replace any player from the fielding team for a short duration but cannot bat, bowl, or keep wicket.

Yes, "twelfthly" is an adverb that means in the twelfth place, point, or order.

The "f" in "twelfth" is derived from the "v" in "twelve," which undergoes a sound change when the "-th" suffix is added.

"Twelfth" is pronounced as /twɛlfθ/, with the "f" sound before the "th."

In music, a "twelfth" refers to a musical interval spanning an octave plus a fifth.

The sequence of the "f" and "th" sounds in "twelfth" can be tricky for some, leading to pronunciation errors.